Your boss is a professional contact, and it’s important to maintain a certain level of professionalism in your relationship. There are some things that you should never share with your boss, even if you think you can trust them.
Here are seven things you should never share with your boss:
1. Personal problems
Your boss is not your therapist. They don’t need to know about your personal problems, such as relationship issues, family drama, or financial difficulties. Sharing your personal problems with your boss can make them uncomfortable and it can also create a professional boundary issue.
If you need to talk to someone about your personal problems, talk to a friend, family member, or therapist.
2. Salary expectations
Your salary is a personal matter, and you should never share your salary expectations with your boss. If you’re negotiating a raise, be prepared to discuss your value to the company and your market rate. Don’t bring up your salary expectations until your boss does.
3. Gossip about coworkers
Gossip is never a good idea, especially in the workplace. If you gossip about your coworkers to your boss, it will make you look unprofessional and it will also damage your relationships with your coworkers.
If you have a problem with a coworker, talk to them directly or talk to your manager. Don’t gossip about them to other coworkers or to your boss.
4. Negative opinions about the company or your boss
Even if you have negative opinions about the company or your boss, you should never share them with your boss. This will make you look unprofessional and it could also put your job at risk.
If you have negative feedback about the company or your boss, talk to them directly in a private meeting. Be specific and constructive in your feedback.
5. Your future career plans
If you’re planning to leave your job, don’t tell your boss until you’ve secured a new position. Telling your boss that you’re planning to leave could make them resentful and it could also make them less likely to give you good references in the future.
If you’re not sure if you want to leave your job, talk to your boss about your career goals and see if there are any opportunities for advancement within the company.
6. Your social media posts
Your social media posts are a reflection of you, and they can impact your professional reputation. Be mindful of what you post on social media, and avoid posting anything that could be considered offensive or unprofessional.
If you have a private social media account, make sure that your privacy settings are set to high. You don’t want your boss or coworkers to be able to see your personal social media posts.
7. Anything that could be used against you
Be careful about what you share with your boss, even if you think you can trust them. Anything you say or do could be used against you in the future.
If you’re not sure whether or not something is appropriate to share with your boss, err on the side of caution and don’t share it.
By avoiding these seven things, you can maintain a professional relationship with your boss and protect your career.
