10 things successful people never reveal about themselves at work

From the Personal Branding Blog

There’s a fine line between being open and oversharing, especially in a professional setting.

Successful people, they’ve got this down to an art. They know there are certain aspects of their lives and personalities that are better left unsaid at work.

This isn’t about being secretive, it’s about understanding boundaries and maintaining a professional image.

So, what are these things they never reveal?

Let’s get started.

1) Personal dramas

Success in a professional environment often demands a certain level of emotional stability. And successful people, they know how to manage their emotions like pros.

We all have our share of personal dramas. Whether it’s a family issue, relationship trouble, or some other personal crisis, these things can weigh us down.

But when it comes to the workplace, those who excel know better than to let their personal dramas steal the show. They understand that everyone has their own battles to fight and work isn’t the place to air their dirty laundry.

They keep their challenges to themselves, maintain a positive demeanor and stay focused on the task at hand. Remember, it’s not about being secretive, it’s about setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism.

2) Financial status

Money can be a touchy subject, even among friends. In the workplace? It’s a whole other ball game.

I remember when I first started my career, fresh out of college and not making much. I made the mistake of revealing my financial struggles to a colleague. Word got around and before I knew it, I was being treated differently. It was a lesson learned the hard way.

Successful people understand this. They know that discussing their financial status, whether they’re struggling or rolling in dough, can lead to unnecessary judgments and bias.

3) Political affiliations

Politics can stir strong emotions and ignite heated debates. In the workplace, this can lead to division and conflict.

It’s no secret that people tend to favor those who share their views and are less favorable towards those who don’t. A study published in the American Journal of Political Science found that people are more likely to discriminate against those with differing political views than they are on race or religion.

Successful people are aware of this. They often keep their political views to themselves, ensuring that they’re evaluated on their professional merits and not on their political leanings.

4) Negative opinions about colleagues

Workplace harmony is essential for productivity and success. Negative opinions about colleagues, if voiced, can disrupt this harmony and cultivate a toxic environment.

Successful people understand this. Even if they don’t particularly like a coworker, they refrain from expressing negative sentiments. They know that everyone brings unique skills and perspectives to the table, and they focus on these positives.

They also know that today’s colleague could be tomorrow’s boss, client, or business partner. Keeping relationships amicable is always a smart move.

5) Long term career plans

Everyone has aspirations and dreams. But successful people understand the value of strategic secrecy when it comes to their long-term career plans.

Sharing your dream of starting your own business or moving to another company in a few years might not sit well with your current employer. It could affect opportunities for promotions, special projects, or even job security.

Successful individuals know when to hold their cards close to their chest. They work hard, deliver results, and when the time is right, they make their move.

6) Their deepest fears

Fear, it’s a universal human experience. But in a professional setting, revealing your deepest fears can sometimes make you appear vulnerable or less competent.

Successful people understand this. They might be petrified of public speaking or terrified of failure, but they rarely let others see it. Instead, they face their fears head-on, using them as motivation to push beyond their comfort zones.

In doing so, they not only conquer their fears but also inspire those around them with their courage and resilience.

7) Their personal health issues

Health is a private matter, and how much you share about it in the workplace is a personal choice. However, successful people often choose to keep their health issues to themselves.

I remember a time when I was dealing with a difficult health issue. It was tough, and it did impact my work. But I chose not to disclose it at work because I didn’t want it to define me or affect how my colleagues perceived me.

Successful people know that while employers and colleagues can offer support, sharing too much about personal health issues can lead to being treated differently or even discriminated against. They choose to focus on their abilities and contributions rather than their limitations.

8) Their extensive expertise

It might seem surprising, but successful people often downplay their expertise. This doesn’t mean they’re not confident or knowledgeable; quite the opposite.

By not flaunting their expertise, they create an environment of openness and learning. It encourages others to share their ideas freely without feeling intimidated. It also allows them to learn from others and stay humble.

After all, no matter how expert we are, there’s always something new to learn. And successful people know this better than anyone.

9) Past failures

Failure is an inevitable part of success. It teaches valuable lessons and fosters growth. However, successful people often choose not to disclose their past failures at work.

It’s not about hiding the truth, but about focusing on the present and future. They understand that past failures don’t define them. Their current actions, attitude, and results do.

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, they learn from them, move forward, and let their success speak for itself.

10) Their success secrets

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. What works for one person might not work for another. But successful people usually have certain habits or strategies that have contributed to their achievements.

However, they often keep these success secrets to themselves. Not because they’re selfish, but because they understand the value of self-discovery. They know that everyone needs to find their own path to success, and spoon-feeding solutions might not be as beneficial as finding your own way.

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