Ginger,

I have an urgent appointment on planet Earth...that should stop the blah, blah machinery...LOL A

Politely say, "I must go.  I have another appointment." 

Good morning Ginger. Love the question, I would politely let them know there is something else I need to do and thank them for spending a few minutes.

Gossip.

If one understands the outcome of this practice, seeking a POLITE way to end this practice of abusing the bystander, should not be your concern.

Being POLITE is what encourages GOSSIP. If it is GOSSIP have no part of it.

Ask the speaker, "How will the conversation benefit the person about who you are speaking?" If it does not benefit, it IS GOSSIP.

'Oh, I just thought you would like to know." is the common excuse. It is still gossip.

Now, if one accepts that no benefit exists in engaging or encouraging gossip, and the residual long lasting harm is unavoidable, make your position clear. 

Yep, that would not only take courage, and commitment. But your life would benefit from greater clarity and untainted appreciation of others.

Gossiping is shameful, so shame the gossiper.

If I'm on the phone I tell them I have a client call coming in. If I'm there in person, I look at my watch and excuse myself telling them I need to run to an appointment.

Ginger i am strait to the point nice chatting but i need to go have a great day; Ginger have a great evening

Ginger, it has been great to visit, but I really need to get back to business.  Have a wonderful day!

I have another appointment in ten, nice chatting, but I gotta run now.

I glance at the time and tell them I have another appointment in 20-30 minutes. No details, just a quick "Gotta go," and then don't look back!

Today I had a situation where someone was really bending my ear. I won't go into details. This was an employing broker and she needed to talk. When I thought we had discussed it enough...I gave her a hug and told her she did the right thing. Each situation will be different. But no matter what...I try to be nice about it. 

I am a proponent of this especially because it is not right to talk about people. Once a person, starts to talk about someone nicely, I try to respond positively and then quickly shift gears and talk about something else. Once a negative statement is spoken about others, I keep quiet and excuse myself. If folks try to engage in lengthy discussion and I feel that I have other things to do, I excuse myself and let them know I have items on my plate needing much attention. I make up for neglecting to engage with them sometimes, by finding time to be available occassionally. 

I just walk away, this business is crazy, and usually do not get placed in this situation. 

"I have work to do!" 

I have the answer to that:  "Get To Work"... and if that doesn't sink in, "don't let the door hit you in the butt" will.....

I don't.  I am a sounding board and it is important they get their views and frustration off of their chest.  I listen and do not judge them.  

I do not believe that there is a tactful way. Folks like that drain your time. Time is valuable.

Ginger Harper politely! I give them couple of minutes and ask them if there is anything important that they want to talk - as I have a flight to catch.....(or an appointment or lunch date or anything.....)

I am point blank about it...

Walk. Away.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

"I have really been working hard on budgeting my time properly so I can get more done. Please help me out by asking me to shut up and leave after 2 minutes since I need to be doing something else by then."  After almost 1 minute "Wow, time flies. Got to run. I will let you know how well being intentional about time management works for me!" (You should be at least 5 feat away from the agent by now.)

Oh my, is it 11:05 already, bye.

Yes, I will walk away from anything that creates a negative culture, and for this reason I do not miss being in an office with other REALTORS®.

I had a previous broker that had a habit of ignoring the people in his office after a bit hoping they would get the hint.  One night, he was doing that to a friend of mine so I sent the broker an "urgent email" knowing he would open it.  When he did, the audio recording said "Hey everyone, I am watching porno over here - WOOHOO".  They both had a good laugh and I didn't get fired.

My response "He/she is a hardworking person. I don't like to hear bad things about my friends, do you?" usually the speaker looks befuddled then starts again, I repeat myself and excuse myself. Discourage gossip, it breaks down teams. After you discourage them they tend not to come back to you

I simply do not engage in the conversation.  I have found if you keep walking while someone it trying to talk to you, they quickly get the idea that you are not stopping, which I dont and keep moving.

Ginger Harper Gotta go, duty calls!

Hi Ginger -- if it's gossip -- there's no need to be polite --- sorry, I'm not participating in that game.   So what do you know or who told you that?