Don’t Say This at Work

Ever shared information with a coworker, only to find out that the person isn’t trustworthy?

It could end up sabotaging your credibility.

Many women struggle with how much to share in the workplace, and what’s off limits.

Lisa Quast, founder of Career Women Inc. and author of Your Career, Your Way, remembers sharing an opinion with a coworker who went back and told another person.

The result?

The affected person confronted her. She then had to defend herself and felt bad about sharing too much in the first place.

“The person you have to worry about in your career is yourself. You have to censor yourself to avoid any negativity,” says Quast.

So where’s the boundary between being personable and engaging, yet professional? You have to ask yourself what’s OK to discuss and what’s not, says Quast.

What’s important for coworkers to know?

Acceptable topics include hobbies, accomplishments like running a marathon, or children. Sharing this type of information encourages colleagues to warm up to you.

Obvious topics to avoid include searching for a new job, if you have medical issues, opinions of coworkers, romantic relationships, religion and politics.

The other time to be cautious about getting too personal? When you are making the transition from staff to manager.

It’s important to set boundaries if you end up becoming your peer’s boss, says Neena Newberry, CEO of Newberry Executive Coaching & Consulting. She advises others to be clear about the leader you want to be. “One thing to consider is what does sharing information consist of and how will it impact your credibility.”

Bonus PINK Link: Find out what men are talking about.

What do you think is TMI at work? Ever had a colleague who overshared?

By Magen Singleton

“It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge
of other people’s business.”
Dolley Madison