Don't Expose Your Belly
Those of you who have been around dogs know that a dog will show its submissiveness to a more dominant dog by exposing it's belly. When you share personal information, especially information that shows your weaknesses, you may be "exposing your belly" to your co-workers. If your position at work requires you to exhibit strength and control, such as a managerial position, you may be showing just the opposite by sharing certain information. Here's what Elizabeth Mitchell, MSW, LCSW, About's former Social Work Guide and now About's Guide to The Southwestern United States for Visitors , had to say about this: “Decisions are made and impressions formed about us while at work that are used for different reasons than those with our families and friends. For example, a person being considered for a promotion would benefit from having an image of strength, excellent judgement and good interpersonal skills. How might your recent disclosure to your colleagues that you are divorcing your alcoholic husband, just obtained a restraining order in fear for your life and are worried about making your house payments, affect your chances for promotion? You can't sleep, fear you are depressed and need support from friends during this trying time. In this situation, a wise employee would make an appointment with an Employee Assistance Program counselor and use his or her friends and family for support, letting colleagues at work know, perhaps, that he or she is divorcing but keeping the details scant.”Shhh... No Talking in School
What are you doing at work? Working hopefully. While no one expects you to be all business all the time, too much time spent chit chatting means too little time working. According to Susan Heathfield, the About Guide to Human Resources, “Where a lack of privacy at work becomes problematic, in my mind, is when it becomes excessive. 'How was your weekend? Just great. We went on a great hike. How was yours?' is common courtesy. To spend a half hour giving a co-worker a blow by blow description of your weekend, is not.” However, some would quickly argue, there's always lunchtime. You can share a lot of private information during the hour you get for lunch each day. That's five hours a week -- imagine all the things you can share. And that doesn't include breaks. Even if talking when you should be working isn't an issue, shouldn't you maintain some privacy?
More:
How Much Do You Share With Co-Workers?
Keeping It Close to the Vest
