Self-disclosure at Work

A couple of months ago, I attended the live taping of one of my favorite podcasts in NYC - HBR Women at Work. The conversation between Amy Bernstein, Nicole Torres, Sarah Green Carmichael and guest Katherine Phillips was engaging and insightful. You can find the recording and script here.

This is a topic that is often discussed among peers and invites a whole gamut of reactions. Should you add people from your office on Facebook/Instagram? Should you be ‘friends’ with the people you work with or ‘be friendly’? Should you compartmentalize your personal and professional lives? While there are no right or wrong answers, here’s a small exercise you can do to get started:

• Figure out the boundaries of your workplace

What is the norm at your workplace? Is it a formal setting or do your colleagues function like a clan? Do people share details about their weekend on Mondays? Do they hang out, even if it is not a work event? Observe the behavior around you and adapt to it. More than understanding what is okay, do understand what is NOT okay. Usually, politics/religion tend to be taboo topics. Be aware of things that can blur the lines between diversity/inclusion and cultural appropriation.

• Find out your personal boundaries and restrictions

I am more public than my family members and our description of ‘sharing’ varies quite a bit. What I find acceptable to share with my LinkedIn or Instagram network is NOT always what they find okay. As social media permeates our lives and privacy is no longer a given, this is a matter that requires dialogue and understanding. Get clarity on the boundaries of your family and respect them. For eg - I ask for permission if I want to share a photo of any family member on social media. This voluntary step has forced me to be intentional about what I’m putting out in the world.

• Pick your spot (or range)

In terms of my title, I have the senior-most role among the women at Fusemachines. Officially or unofficially, I believe I have the responsibility and honor of setting an example. I want the women I work with to know that being emotional & sensitive is our STRENGTH and not WEAKNESS. The world has more than enough smart people; it desperately needs people that have Emotional Quotient and actually care. I won’t lie & say that it is NOT challenging to balance work and home, but I want them to know it can be done. The women need to know they can be their true self and still move ahead in their respective careers.

There are 200 people in Fusemachines across a few countries and as a leader, my objective is to shape the culture and cultural norms for everyone, not just the women. I hope the organization enables people to showcase their humanity, quirks and authenticity. I hope we can see each other as REAL people, not puppets putting on an act. I hope team members are comfortable to share small wins & hurdles in their personal lives as much as their professional endeavors.