"Gossip received a broad positive perspective in this book. Many examples describe a wider range of what we usually consider as gossiping. A typical LinkedIn reaction was: ‘Wonderful that this theme receives the recognition it deserves, gossip has an official term in our organization: GIS, the Grapevine Information System’. The jury was pleased to read that it often describes how people in organizations give meaning to the signals they receive. The book is extremely well-researched and the jury was astonished to learn that there has been so much scientific research written on this topic. The author used many examples from stories, literature, and films to get her message across, which contributes to the relatability and readability of the book. If you work for or in an organization where people complain about gossip, read this book to put this in a new perspective and understand its dynamics." - Jury Report Order of Organization Advisors
“Dominique Darmon lays out a fascinating analysis of how gossip is good if we better understand it, know when and how to dish it out. She also offers examples of when to engage with someone offering juicy banter. With tips for both managers and employees, Darmon’s overall — and surprising — conclusion is that if you detest gossip and choose not to participate in it, you’re doing yourself as much damage as those who gossip too much.” - Financial Times
“You haven’t got this from me—but this is a scandalously good book! Okay, I heard that she hoards all the paperclips in the office, but with a quick wit, a sharp pen, and a strong base in both literature and anecdote, who cares?” - Gert Jan Hofstede, Prof. Dr. Ir. Artificial Sociality at Wageningen University and extraordinary professor at North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, and co-author of the international bestsellers Cultures and Organizations and Exploring Culture
“Have I Got Dirt For You offers valuable insights in an inevitable and valuable aspect of human interaction: gossip. There are great lessons for both the office and Zoom sessions.” - Jonah Berger, Wharton professor and author of the bestselling books Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst
“In this highly readable book, Dominique Darmon has made very clear that there are human behaviors that transcend cultures. Gossiping is a good example of this. While various cultures gossip in different ways, it will remain an important and meaningful activity for humankind. Recommended!” - Fons Trompenaars, speaker, consultant, researcher, author of Riding the Waves of Culture, and co-author of End of Discussion
“This is a must-read for everybody who thinks that gossiping is just for evil people. The author makes clear that gossiping can play a positive role, provided that you do it according to the rules of the game. Dominique Darmon explicitly and clearly describes these rules. Who wouldn't want to know more about that?” - Len Middelbeek, journalist and author
“An excellent approach to the concept of gossip and rumor. The science in Darmon’s book is solid and will open your mind to a broader view of these fascinating human qualities. May it stand on equal footing with the art of complaining!” - Bart Flos, bestselling author of The Anti-Complain Book
“A great introduction for anyone interested in understanding gossip, abundant with relatable examples and practical advice.” - Elena Martinescu, research associate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
"Darmon switches smoothly between such well-drawn hypotheticals and more technical analyses. As a result, the work does a pitch-perfect job of both eliciting the personal, universal nature of gossip and treating it seriously as a method of communication. Readers who’ve ever indulged in such conversation—and who hasn’t?—will look at the subject in a new light after finishing this book. A sharp, lucid, and compelling study of a relatable but rarely discussed topic." - Kirkus Review
"Engaging in office gossip is considered a productivity killer. But gossip on the job is better than its reputation, as Dominique J. Darmon, communication expert from the Netherlands, shows in her new book Have I Got Dirt for You. If you do it right, you can contribute to a better mood with a few tricks and tricks, get helpful information yourself and integrate colleagues more easily." - Handelsblatt |
|