13 Things Not to Share with Your Co-workersIt’shappened to everyone before. The constant flow of words that just keepcoming, long after you’ve made your point (if there ever was one) andeven longer after people stopped caring. The kind of gibberish thatjust won’t stop unless someone else starts talking. The type of chatterthat inevitably ends with you wishing you’d put a sock in it.
Yes, verbal diarrhea is never a good thing – but it can be worse in some places more than others.
Like the workplace.
Thereare certain things co-workers need not know about each other – yourbaby-making plans and stomach issues, for example – but some folks justcan’t seem to keep their mouths shut.
Some people talk tohear the sound of their own voice; others share because they don’treally have a life and, by revealing details you’d rather not know,they create the illusion of one, says Linda Lopeke, a careeradvancement expert and creator of SmartStart Virtual MentoringPrograms. “Then there is the person who believes gossip, even aboutthem, creates instant emotional intimacy. It doesn’t.”
Walk the line
Becausepeople spend more time at the office with co-workers than anywhere (oranyone) else, some workers have trouble drawing the line betweenbusiness and friendship, says Susan Solovic, co-founder and CEO ofSBTV.com, and author of three books, including “Reinvent Your Career:Attain the Success You Desire and Deserve.”
“It’s asocial environment as well as a work environment. However, you mustremember while you can be friendly and develop a good rapport, businessis business and friendship is friendship.”
Most workersdon’t realize that what they say has as much impact on theirprofessional images as what they wear, Lopeke says. People who say toomuch, about themselves or others, can be seen as incompetent,unproductive and unworthy of professional development.
To avoid your next case of verbal diarrhea, here are 13 things to never share or discuss with your co-workers.
1. Salary information
What you earn is between you and Human Resources, Solovic says. Disclosure indicates you aren’t capable of keeping a confidence.
2. Medical history
“Nobodyreally cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, yourinfertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet,” Lopekesays. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem likean expensive, high-risk employee.
3. Gossip
Whomeveryou’re gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said,Solovic says. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likelyhe or she will gossip about you.
4. Work complaints
Constantcomplaints about your workload, stress levels or the company willquickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch,Solovic warns. If you don’t agree with company policies and procedures,address it through official channels or move on.
5. Cost of purchases
Thespirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in theworkplace, Lopeke says, but you don’t want others speculating on thelifestyle you’re living –or if you’re living beyond your salary bracket.
6. Intimate details
Don’t share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you, Solovic says.
7. Politics or religion
“Peoplehave strong, passionate views on both topics,” Solovic says. You mayalienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impactyour career.
8. Lifestyle changes
Breakups,divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a needto know, Lopeke says. Otherwise, others will speak for yourcapabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there isany truth to their assumptions or not.
9. Blogs or social networking profile
Whatyou say in a social networking community or in your personal blog maybe even more damaging than what you say in person, Solovic warns.“Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of angerwhen you are having a bad day … can blow up in your face.”
10. Negative views of colleagues
Ifyou don’t agree with a co-worker’s lifestyle, wardrobe or professionalabilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself,Lopeke says. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.
11. Hangovers and wild weekends
It’sperfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don’t talk aboutyour wild adventures on Monday, Solovic advises. That information canmake you look unprofessional and unreliable.
12. Personal problems and relationships – in and out of the office
“Failedmarriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer,”Lopeke says. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it’sbest to steer clear. “The safest way to play is to follow the rule,‘Never get your honey where you get your money.’”
13. Off-color or racially charged comments
Youcan assume your co-worker wouldn’t be offended or would think somethingis funny, but you might be wrong, Solovic says. Never take that risk.Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn’t mindyour comment, don’t talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear. |
