Should I tell my manager?

I am a brand new Assistant General Manager in a small hotel. There is so much gossip and drama going on in that place that it's insane. I have made my manager aware of many things that have been told to me in confidence. As the assistant manager, being a fresh face in a negative environment, everyone wants to talk to me...tell me things. Everybody wants to suck me into the drama. I haven't made friends with anyone and do NOT plan to. However, people are telling me things..things that I know would piss the manager off. She is black. There is a bit of a rasict undertone in the drama. I don't like it, but this job fell into my lap from heaven when I was desperate! I can't quit! Do I tell my manager everything I know and be a "loyal" assistant or do I just shut my mouth and keep everything to myself. What is the best approach. I really need good solid advice. I do not have management experience and am taking this job VERY seriously.

When I say I've been telling my manager things...it's things that have been told to me by the employees. I was attempting to help my manager put a stop to all of the gossip and drama. I don't know if I should keep doing this. Is this the right approach?

If it is just gossip ... then you need to tell the employee that you're really not interested in hearing about it and just walk away. If you don't, you WILL get sucked in and you WILL lose!

If it is more than gossip ... then you owe it to your company to take that information to your manager. If you don't, and it turns out that it's found out that you knew something that you should have told, you WILL get sucked in and you (again) WILL lose.

How do you tell the difference between gossip and a real issue? I hate to be this vague ... but you'll know. Is it information that will potentially damage either your company's reputation or someone (employee, customer, or company) financially? If it is, it's not gossip.

Welcome to the wonderful world of management and good luck!!

Hope this helps!

I think you should keep the gossip to yourself and just do your job. You don't need to make any enemies.

Mind your own business.
Do your job.
Start looking for another one, as the drama will eventually make you hate going to work.

I understand your dilemma, but as a manager, you have an obligation to keep things told to you in confidence to yourself. You also have a responsibility to your manager. What I might suggest is that you let these employees know that you are open to listening to any factual complaints or comments and working with them to resolve their issues. At the same time, you can make it very clear that they are expected to show respect to *everyone*, regardless of race, religion, etc. As a member of management, you set the tone for acceptable behaviors. Kudos to you for wanting to do the right things!

I would keep my mouth shut unless some one could be physically harmed by anything. Gossips are everywhere and on every job.If she is African-American,believe me she know how some people may feel about her and can handle it herself. Just show her respect and work with her and do a good job,you will probably find that she will be your biggest alli.Because when they see that you don't want to play their games you will be their next target.They are trying to size you up and if you say the least things about your boss in a negative way. Guess who will be the first to run and tell her what you said.When you see a gossip coming and she or he begin to gossip just say,gee I will talk to you later,it is so hetic today, and walk quickly away.Do this a couple of times and they will soon get the message.