There’s a thin line between sharing and oversharing, especially at the workplace.
Successful people seem to know this line pretty well. They understand that while it’s important to be open and authentic, it’s equally vital to keep certain things under wraps.
Having a mystique about yourself can often work in your favor in a professional setting. It not only helps maintain a level of professionalism but also keeps personal and professional life separate.
In the following article, I’ll reveal the seven things that successful individuals never disclose about themselves at work. These secrets might just be the key to their success. Let’s dive in!
1) Personal issues
There’s no denying that we all have personal issues. But successful people understand that the workplace isn’t the best place to air them out.
They firmly believe in maintaining a professional image and keeping their personal life separate from their work life. This doesn’t mean they are emotionless or impersonal. Rather, it means they handle personal issues in their own time and space.
They know that sharing too much about personal issues can affect team dynamics and professional relationships. It might also shift the focus away from their work competency and towards their personal life.
So, the next time you’re tempted to share a personal problem at work, consider the potential implications. It might just be better to keep it to yourself and maintain that professional image.
2) Financial matters
I remember when I landed my first big promotion. It was an exciting time, a recognition of my hard work and dedication. But with the promotion came a significant bump in my salary.
In my initial excitement, I was tempted to share the news of this financial uplift with my colleagues. But then I remembered a piece of advice from one of my successful mentors, “Never discuss your salary or financial matters at work”.
Why? Because discussions about money can often lead to unnecessary comparisons, envy, or even resentment among colleagues. It can disrupt the harmony of the workplace and create a sense of inequality.
So, I kept the specifics of my financial situation to myself, focusing on celebrating the promotion rather than the salary increase. And trust me, it made for a much healthier and more comfortable working environment.
Successful people understand that money matters are personal and best kept private. It’s one of those things they never reveal about themselves at work.
3) Extravagant lifestyle
Despite common misconceptions, many successful people lead surprisingly modest lifestyles. This goes back to the principle of keeping personal and professional life separate.
Warren Buffet, one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. Likewise, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is known for his simple dressing style and modest cars.
Sharing details about an extravagant lifestyle can create unnecessary distractions and potentially foster resentment or envy among colleagues. Successful people understand this and choose to focus on their work and contributions rather than their lifestyle outside work.
4) Negative opinions about others
Workplaces are a melting pot of different personalities and it’s common to not get along with everyone. Successful people too have colleagues they might not see eye to eye with.
However, one thing they never do is voice negative opinions about others at work. They understand the importance of maintaining a positive and professional environment.
Bad-mouthing or speaking ill of others can tarnish their reputation and breed a culture of negativity. Instead, they choose to manage their differences privately and professionally, focusing on the tasks at hand rather than personal disagreements.
5) Past failures
I was once part of a start-up that didn’t take off as expected. The experience, while full of valuable lessons, was also a painful reminder of my limits and the potential for failure.
However, when I moved on to my next job, I realized that dwelling on and sharing this failure wasn’t helpful. It didn’t contribute to my current role and only served to cast a shadow over my capabilities.
Successful people often have a history of failures behind them. But they understand the importance of keeping those failures in the past. They focus on their current responsibilities and future goals, using past failures as stepping stones rather than points of conversation.
They know that sharing past failures can create doubts about their competence. Instead, they choose to present themselves as confident and reliable professionals, focused on success.
6) Their next move
Successful people are often strategic and forward-thinking. They always have a plan for their next career move or professional goal. But one thing they never do is reveal these plans prematurely at work.
Revealing your future plans can lead to unnecessary speculation and may even jeopardize your current position. It can also create an impression that you’re not committed to your present role.
Instead, successful people keep their cards close to their chest, revealing their next move only when the time is right. They understand the value of timing and discretion in managing their professional growth.
7) Their ultimate career goal
While it’s important to have career aspirations, successful people know that revealing their end goal can be counterproductive. This doesn’t mean they’re secretive or dishonest. Rather, they understand the dynamics of a workplace and the importance of strategic disclosure.
Sharing your ultimate career goal can lead to unnecessary competition, resentment or even sabotage. It can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure.
Instead, successful people focus on their current role and immediate goals, while quietly working towards their ultimate career ambition. They keep their eyes on the prize without broadcasting it to the world.
Final thoughts
The journey to success is often a complex maze filled with decisions, actions, and yes, even secrets. The ability to discern what to share and what to keep under wraps can significantly impact one’s professional life.
The balance between revealing and concealing is an art that successful people seem to have mastered. The insights shared in this article reflect strategies deployed by successful individuals in navigating their professional spaces.
Remember, it’s not about being secretive or dishonest but about being professional and strategic. Knowing what to reveal, when, and to whom can make all the difference in your career.
As we conclude, reflect on these points, and perhaps consider how you can apply them in your own professional life. After all, success often lies in the details we overlook.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
