Grey Rock

Where it comes from

An informal method, commonly traced to a 2012 Lovefraud article.

What the evidence says

Minimal, emotionally neutral replies aim to stop rewarding provocation. No direct trials show it works, and provocation can briefly increase at first.

When it helps

Baiting, gossip invitations, irrelevant provocation and repeated attempts to pull you into a personal argument.

Try it

• Answer the work question only. Short, neutral, on task.
• Find the part that requires an answer. Reply to that part, with enough detail for the work.

Watch out

• A poor fit when the work needs collaboration, warmth, visible leadership, a safety report or detailed clarification.
• May look cold or evasive when warmth or collaboration is required.

Sources

Source review pending. No validated efficacy claim.

The evidence label describes a broader process or framework. This extension and its brief workplace exercises have not been independently validated.