Shhhh – You need your private space

“Hey it’s appraisal time! What is your rating? What is your hike percentage? What is about your promotion?” we hear a lot of voices at least once in a year in every company. A lot of times we come across the answer “I am still waiting on my results!” or just a smile! While these are just diplomatic answers to be kind, one got to know that everyone deserves a private space. It is absolutely okay to say “I’m sorry. I don’t want to discuss about it!”. As rude as it may seem, it is necessary to understand that not every detail in life is meant to be shared always.

I am a person who loves to share my experiences through my blogs. But I do not keep my entire life an open book. I do respect my privacy too. As these thoughts were wandering in my mind, it also created a list of topics that one needs to keep to himself or herself.

Salary

Salary and financial information is meant to be kept confidential. You are in charge of what you earn and responsible for what you save or spend. If you cannot safeguard your private information for yourself, who could better do that? You could still choose to discuss this with your family but not at work. Work is meant to be a professional environment and hence remember to maintain your secret in this aspect. This is also one of the first steps that often leads to enmity and rivalry at work. It also creates an unhealthy environment for yourself and your colleagues. So remember to say “I am sorry, I’d not like to discuss about this” when such topic initiates.

Career Aspiration

Most of us look for a career. Everyone needs a motivation too. However nothing is as good as self motivation. Keep your target to yourself. You do not have to share your career aspiration to your colleagues. Work hard, truly and sincerely and you will reach your goal. Sometimes it takes time too. Do not be disturbed but try, try until you succeed. Sharing career aspiration to colleagues may also result in unnecessary talks and comments to create a hostile environment. It is perfect to discuss what you intend to be in future and work on your career development plan with your supervisors but not your peers. Finally it is your career and you need to strongly stand by it. There is no use moving around and cribbing that you intended to achieve something on your career and it did not work. If you’re disappointed, it is you who have to ask yourself why it failed and rework. Make amendments to your plan, develop yourself. Self help is the best help always!

Personal Life

Having a difficult time with your relationship? Suffering mental agony due to a bad personal life? Unable to balance personal life? Well, we have decided to work for many reasons. We need to face all challenges and keep away from our personal life disturbing us at work. Who on Earth does not have problems in life? The ones who face it daringly and able to strictly separate it from a professional environment are the ones who can manage them too. This may sound tough or rude. But this is the reality! You may ask me if one needs to be an emotionless robot at work. Well, the answer is yes and no. Showing subtle emotions are fine at extreme circumstances. However do not do that often. This often degrades your professionalism at work.

Medical Details

While certain medical conditions needs to be informed about at work, it is necessary to understand this is your private sensitive information. Suffering from illness? It is absolutely fine to take a short break from work and resume after you’re fine. However you don’t have to give detailed information to your colleagues. Remember this maybe seen as empathy or sympathy at the beginning but later would also create an uncomfortable situation for yourself. Your constant illness may also seem to give an opinion that you are a high risk employee. So beware!

Political, Religious and Linguistic views

Many of us get excited while sharing political, religious and linguistic views. Remember, you are at work for Business. It is very important not to indulge in such talks that may seem to hurt another individual. Moreover it is professional to talk only in the common Business language to your peers. While in a group, remember to communicate in a language that everyone can understand. This may seem to be a difficult task in the beginning but practice makes a man perfect.

Negative feelings about Work

Not satisfied about your job role? Not happy with your work? The only person to talk to is your supervisor to get it corrected. There is absolutely no point talking about this with your peers. By doing so, you are creating a negative image on the work environment to all your peers too. You may be seen as a negative energy influencing others too. Don’t keep it to yourself but seek help from your management and be open. Honesty and openness are necessary to keep yourself happy. Do not be worried about how it would impact you. Nothing can impact you worst than getting over stressed.

Lifestyle

Each individual has their own interests and lifestyle. It is fine to share about your holiday experiences or shopping reviews. But it is not necessary to share the details of your expensive or cheap watch or phone that you just bought. It is not necessary to discuss on your weekend parties. Remember your lifestyle at work may be extremely different to your lifestyle in your private life. Respect it!

Imagine a work environment where all the above topics are not discussed. Wouldn’t it be a healthier environment? We often see the rat race around us. This is definitely because we don’t draw strict boundaries on what needs to be discussed at work and what not! Remember the only person with whom you need to compete is yourself. You need to get better from what you were yesterday. Set your own goals and actions. Work towards it. Above all respect your own private space.