There’s a fine line between being open at work and oversharing.
Successful people know this line like the back of their hand. They understand that revealing too much can alter the perception others have of them.
Success, after all, isn’t just about competence; it’s also about image, trust and respect.
In this article, we’ll unpack the 10 things successful people never lay bare in the workplace. Not because they’re secretive, but because they’re strategic.
Let’s delve in.
1) Personal issues
Success doesn’t equate to a life without problems.
Every person, successful or not, grapples with personal issues. But the manner in which we handle these issues, especially at work, differs greatly.
Successful people understand the importance of boundaries. They recognize that bringing personal problems into the workplace can disrupt productivity and even their reputation.
This doesn’t mean they’re emotionless robots. It simply means they choose to deal with their personal issues in an appropriate setting, away from work.
Being a professional means leaving your personal baggage at the door. So while it’s okay to be human and have problems, it’s essential to maintain that line between personal and professional life.
And that’s what successful people do. They never reveal their personal problems at work.
2) Their salary
Money talk can be a bit of a minefield in the workplace and most successful people steer clear of it.
Once, early in my career, I worked in a team where salary discussions were common. It led to a lot of resentment and tension among team members. Some felt they were underpaid, while others felt uncomfortable being known as the “high earners”. It was a toxic environment that ultimately affected our productivity and teamwork.
After that experience, I learned the importance of keeping my salary to myself.
Successful people know that disclosing their earnings can breed jealousy, competition, and discontent. So, they choose to keep this information private to maintain harmony and respect within the team.
3) Long-term career goals
Visualizing a path for your career is important. Everyone has ambitions and dreams. However, successful people understand the significance of keeping their long-term career goals under wraps at work.
According to a study published in Psychological Science, openly sharing your goals can create a premature sense of completeness and saps the motivation to achieve them.
Successful individuals often keep their ultimate career objectives to themselves. They might share short-term objectives that align with their current role or team’s goals, but the big picture, the ultimate career destination, remains a secret. This approach keeps them focused and prevents unnecessary office politics or potential sabotage.
4) Their downtime activities
We all have ways to unwind after a long day at work. It might be binge-watching a series, reading a good book, or even playing video games.
However, successful people are mindful of the image they project at work. They understand that people’s perceptions can be influenced by what they do outside of work hours.
So, they’re selective about what they share regarding their downtime activities. They might mention hobbies that align with their professional image, like reading industry-related books or attending seminars. But the guilty pleasures? Those they keep to themselves.
This doesn’t mean being dishonest or misrepresentative. It’s about maintaining a professional image that contributes positively to their overall success in the workplace.
5) Their personal beliefs
We live in a diverse world, filled with different cultures, religions, and political views. These differences make up who we are as individuals.
However, at the workplace, successful people understand the importance of neutrality. They know that sharing personal beliefs on sensitive topics such as religion or politics can lead to unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.
To maintain a harmonious work environment, they keep their personal beliefs to themselves. They focus on their work and professional relationships, leaving controversial topics for their personal life.
6) Their greatest fears
Fear is a universal experience. We all have things that keep us awake at night, that make our hearts race and palms sweat.
But successful people understand that vulnerability, while human, can sometimes be perceived as weakness in a professional setting. They know that revealing their deepest fears can potentially alter their colleagues’ or superiors’ perception of their capabilities.
So they choose to keep their fears private. They face them, work through them, often seeking help when needed, but away from the workplace.
It’s not about putting up a facade of invincibility. It’s about projecting confidence and resilience, qualities that are highly valued in any professional environment.
Their fears remain their personal battles, silently fought and conquered behind the scenes, adding unseen layers to their success story.
7) Their past mistakes
Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. They help us learn, grow, and ultimately become better versions of ourselves.
I’ve made my fair share of blunders in the past. Some were minor, others had significant consequences. But each one taught me invaluable lessons that helped shape the professional I am today.
Successful people, like me, have also made mistakes. But they understand that not all errors need to be publicly dissected. They learn from them, adapt, and move on, without necessarily sharing these missteps in the workplace.
By not dwelling on or showcasing past errors, they maintain their professional image and focus on displaying their competence and growth. The goal is to be seen for their accomplishments and abilities, not their past missteps.
8) Their level of effort
In many workplaces, there’s a tendency to glorify overworking. The one who stays the latest or arrives the earliest often gets the most recognition.
But successful people know that it’s not about the hours you put in, it’s about the results you deliver. They understand that efficiency and productivity are not synonymous with long hours.
So, they often keep quiet about the actual time and effort they put into their work. They let their results speak for themselves. This approach prevents any misinterpretation of their work ethic and maintains a focus on their achievements, rather than their working hours.
It seems strange, doesn’t it? But sometimes, not revealing how hard you’re working can actually boost your professional image.
9) Their professional connections
Networking is crucial in the professional world. It opens doors to opportunities and helps us grow in our respective fields.
Successful people often have a wide network of connections. But they understand that broadcasting these relationships can sometimes be perceived as name-dropping or leveraging influence unfairly.
So, they keep their professional connections private. They use their network wisely and ethically without flaunting it.
10) Their next move
Successful people are often forward-thinkers, always planning their next step. But this doesn’t mean they reveal these plans at work.
Whether it’s a new project, a potential job offer, or an innovative idea, they understand the importance of timing and discretion.
By keeping their next move close to their chest, they maintain an element of surprise. This allows them to stay ahead of the game, navigate potential obstacles, and make strategic decisions without external influences.
Final thoughts: The art of discretion
The journey towards success is layered with both personal and professional decisions. One such decision is understanding what to reveal and what to keep private at work.
This isn’t about fostering a culture of secrecy. It’s about understanding the impact of our shared information on our professional image, relationships, and opportunities.
Successful people have mastered this art of discretion. They know that their words, actions, and even their silence can influence their journey.
The next time you’re in the workplace, think about what you choose to reveal. Every piece of information you share paints a part of your professional portrait.
So, be mindful. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we reveal but also about what we don’t that contributes to our success.
