I would like to avoid the office rumor mill, but people always try roping me into gossipy conversations. How should I handle this?

The office grapevine can help you learn about your construction employer's political undercurrents and unwritten rules of the road. While you might take news of a possible merger with a grain of salt, it's wise to keep yourself in the information loop. There's nothing wrong with listening as long as you don't fan the rumor's flames or act on unsubstantiated information. Walk away when the gossip involves non-business-related topics or mean-spirited mudslinging. If Pat from accounts payable wants to dish the dirt about a rival, you don't need to be a coconspirator.