Oversharing with people of authority can sometimes be a natural response, particularly if you feel nervous, want to be open, or seek approval. However, it's essential to strike a balance between being honest and maintaining appropriate boundaries, especially in professional or formal settings. Here are some tips to help you stop oversharing with people of authority:
Recognize the boundaries: Understand the appropriate level of information that should be shared with someone in a position of authority. Be mindful of what is necessary and relevant to the situation.
Pause and think before speaking: When you feel the urge to share personal or unnecessary information, take a moment to pause and reflect on whether it is appropriate and relevant to the conversation.
Stick to the topic: Focus on discussing the matter at hand and avoid diverting into personal or unrelated subjects.
Limit personal details: Share personal experiences or information only when it directly relates to the topic of discussion or if it helps illustrate a point.
Practice brevity: Be concise and to the point when communicating with people of authority. Avoid going into unnecessary detail or providing information that may not be relevant to the situation.
Maintain professionalism: Remember the context of the relationship. In a professional setting, it's crucial to maintain a level of formality and avoid sharing overly personal information.
Be aware of body language: Pay attention to your body language, as it can sometimes reveal more than you intend to share. Try to maintain a confident and composed demeanor.
Seek support from peers: If you struggle with oversharing, consider discussing it with close friends or colleagues who can offer feedback and support.
Practice active listening: Focus on listening to the person of authority rather than feeling pressured to fill silences with unnecessary information.
Learn from experiences: If you've overshared in the past and faced consequences, take those experiences as opportunities for growth and learning.
Remember that building a professional relationship with someone in authority involves mutual respect and appropriate boundaries. By being mindful of what you share and maintaining a level of professionalism, you can establish a positive and respectful dynamic with people of authority.