GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Informal Organization and Grapevine, ContinuedIntegration ofthe formaland informalorganizationGood leaders consider people's needs and integrate them with organizationalgoals. This avoids conflict and promotes unity. Leaders use the informalorganization to enhance official policies, create harmony, and maintain morale.Example: Before implementing an unpopular policy, a successful leaderwill check with informal leaders first to gauge its potential impact.The grapevineThe grapevine is the unofficial communications network of the informalorganization. Its members use this informal but powerful medium to exchangevaluable inside information, such as:x News before it's officially released.x Information unavailable elsewhere.x Insight to management styles.x What's happening behind the scenes.x What people really think of each other.Formal flow of informationInf ormal f low of inf ormationFigure 6-1. The GrapevineNumber ofgrapevinesRulesAn organization has one or more grapevines. They usually overlap but notalways. Some folks belong to several grapevines, while others belong to none.When using the grapevine follow these rules:Don'tDox Transmit inaccurate information. x Filter information.x Start rumors or spread gossip.x Act ethically.x Tell only one side of a story.x Be discreet--the grapevine keepsx Promote political intrigue.no secrets.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 6-3