Dear Eric: I work in the public sector in a job that makes me well known in my field of work and well known in the community where I work, but not where I live which is a few towns away. I was recently demoted. My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.

My new job and new team know of me, but don’t know me. My plan was to explain everything to the leadership team I will be a part of, but for the direct and indirect reports I will have, I am not sure what to do. When I introduce myself and explain my work history, it will be clear to anyone that something is up. How do I navigate this? I already feel the stares and the whispers, and I haven’t started the new role yet. What is the right level of truth to tell so that I can be an effective leader?

– Follow the Leader

Dear Leader: One of the keys to effective leadership is establishing an expectation, modeling it and not deviating from it. So, if your expectation is that your team performs their job functions regardless of the gossip, then that’s the standard you should set.

You can practice transparency without oversharing by talking about the parts of your work history that directly relate to the work you’re doing now. And if individuals have more specific questions, direct them to speak to you one-on-one.

This isn’t hiding the truth. In your letter, you write that you’re as stumped as anyone else why you were demoted. So, continuing to engage in speculation with others isn’t going to get you or them anywhere.

Work environments can be a breeding ground for whispers. As a leader, your job is to speak clearly – metaphorically and actually. Make sure you have a trusted coworker or friend with whom you can process the stress you’re feeling. But in your leadership role, share what will help others do their jobs better; the rest doesn’t matter.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.