It is hard to know the appropriate balance between transparency and prudence. If there is a project "in the works", there are times when it is best not to disclose anything, lest a premature announcement could negatively impact the outcome. Other times it is best to widely share that something is under consideration so that people may contribute input and actually aid in the project's completion.
Of course the spectrum of sharing depending upon the information and the intimacy with whom that knowledge is shared, but it is still not clear cut.
Do you share with your boss that someone is being difficult to work with or wait until the situation persists? Do you put your strategic plan on line for all to see or keep it as a confidential document? Do you confide with others that you are approaching a donor for a gift? Or how about letting your boss know that you are applying for another job? Or telling business acquaintances that you are looking to relocate your firm?
Each of these situations -- and millions more -- call for a delicate judgment call. Some days you have to be like Goldilocks and determine when the timing is "too soon", "too early" or "just right". It is one of the most challenging things for new employees and supervisors to align, but "too soon" almost always wins over having someone important being surprised.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
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