Sharing information is an important part of communication and building relationships. However, there are times when sharing certain information may be unwise or inappropriate. This article will examine when it is best to share or withhold information in various contexts.
Sharing Personal Information
When it comes to personal information, caution is generally advised. Private details about your life, family, relationships, finances, etc. do not need to be shared with casual acquaintances or strangers. However, sharing some personal information helps build intimacy and trust in close relationships. Use good judgment when deciding what private matters to discuss.
With Close Friends and Family
It is often appropriate to open up about personal topics like your feelings, challenges you face, significant events in your life, etc. with very close friends and family members. Sharing this type of private information can strengthen bonds and allow loved ones to provide emotional support.
With Casual Acquaintances and Strangers
Exercising more discretion with casual acquaintances and strangers is wise. You do not owe private facts about your life to people you do not know well. Limit personal topics and focus conversation on less sensitive subjects until trust and familiarity are established.
Sharing at Work
Deciding what information to share in the workplace can also require careful consideration. As a general rule, you should aim to be open about things that impact the team or company while using discretion with very personal matters.
With Colleagues
Being reasonably transparent with colleagues about your workload, team projects, professional goals, etc. facilitates cooperation and collaboration. However, avoid oversharing intimate details about your personal life or airing grievances.
With Managers
Managers should be kept informed about anything that affects your work performance, requires time off, or has consequences for the wider team. But they do not need to know confidential details of your private life. Use your best judgment.
| Information Type | Appropriate to Share? |
|---|---|
| Medical diagnosis impacting work | Yes, with manager |
| Marital problems | No |
| Feedback on team project | Yes, with colleagues |
| Salary and compensation | No |
| Plans for scheduled time off | Yes, with manager |
| Details of a legal dispute | No |
Sharing Client and Customer Information
If your job involves clients or customers, maintaining confidentiality is crucial. You have an ethical and legal obligation to protect sensitive information.
Credit Card Numbers, Financials, Etc.
Never share clients’ or customers’ credit card numbers, bank account details, social security numbers, or other financial information except with authorized parties who need to process transactions. This is highly confidential.
Medical or Legal Records
Client and customer records relating to health, legal matters, children, etc. must be handled with utmost care. Never access more information than required or share without explicit consent.
Other Personal Details
Do not share personal information like addresses, phone numbers, family details, travel plans, etc. unless the client or customer has permitted it. Respect privacy.
Sharing Child or Student Information
Teachers, counselors, and others who work with children or students must follow strict confidentiality rules regarding minors.
Academic Records
Student academic records including test scores, grades, evaluations, etc. must not be revealed without parental approval unless required by law. Only share within the educational team.
Behavioral Issues
Do not discuss sensitive details about students’ behavioral problems, disabilities, mental health, juvenile criminal matters, family issues, etc. except with other authorized staff and parents/guardians.
Exceptions
Potential harm to a child’s safety overrides confidentiality. Abuse, neglect, suicidal tendencies, or threats made must be reported to proper authorities.
Sharing Confidential Company Information
Those with access to proprietary company data like trade secrets, client lists, pricing, unpublished financials, etc. must keep information tightly controlled. Breaching confidentiality can bring legal consequences. Only share confidential work information with authorized team members. Never reveal proprietary details to outside parties without an NDA.
With Competitors
Never share any non-public company information with competitors. This risks legal action and jeopardizes the company’s competitive position.
On Social Media
Posting confidential work details on social media is unwise under any circumstances. Even vague mentions could signal strategy in a competitive landscape.
To Attract Business
Avoid revealing too much private company information while networking or trying to win new business. Non-disclosure rules still apply.
Sharing Information That Impacts Others
Before sharing information that could significantly impact others, consider who needs to know and how the message should be conveyed.
Medical Information
Only share someone else’s medical or health information with their consent or legal permission. Respect privacy wishes.
Criminal Histories
Do not disclose someone’s criminal record without their consent, unless required for legal reasons. This information can damage reputations and relationships.
Business Plans and Financials
If involved with a private business, only share proprietary details like business plans, processes, and financials if you have explicit permission from owners. Keep information internal.
Third-Party Disclosures
When sharing any sensitive information that concerns third parties, consider potential impacts. Weigh confidentiality against necessity to inform.
Conclusion
Deciding what, how, and with whom to share information requires weighing many factors. As a rule of thumb, maintain confidentiality where expected or reasonably deserved. But also recognize that some degree of transparency with trusted parties can build relationships. Use good judgment based on the situation and people involved.