How to Keep from Withholding Vital Information at Work

One of the most damaging career limiting mistakes you can make is withholding vital information. Whenever bosses or workers withhold open, timely and vital information that others have a right to and an interest in, irreparable harm is done to a company. This deliberate negative behavior impacts morale, credibility, and customer satisfaction. It shuts down creativity and teamwork. It perpetuates mistakes, misunderstandings, and faulty procedures. It can result in missed deadlines, cost overruns, and expensive lawsuits. It allows bad ideas to go unchallenged and good ideas to go unvoiced. There are a variety of reasons why people withhold information, but here are 5 key ones and how to overcome them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Openness
• Integrity

1. 
    
   Embarrassment

   Embarrassment can cause people to withhold information that is not flattering or that presents them in an unfavorable light. To overcome, be vulnerable and risk embarrassment by sharing the information while modeling trust and collaborative behavior.

2. 
    
   Concern over Job Loss

   Concern over the loss of a job, position, authority or personal harm can cause a person to clam-up and withhold vital information. To overcome, continually review the value and benefits of sharing the information as you release what you know.

3. 
    
   Fear of Rejection

   Fear of rejection can cause a worker to deliberately cut off important communication. To overcome, don’t hold certain information close to the vest in order to get the upper hand in conflict with co-workers or management.

4. 
    
   Manipulative Management Style

   A manipulative management style that believes people are not ready to hear or deal with certain information can stifle productivity and professional development. To overcome, foster a work environment that freely and openly shares vital information by rewarding people for sharing what they know -- even if it’s perceived as bad news.

5. 
    
   Excessive Ambition & Greed

   Both excessive ambition and greed can ruin the quest for fame and fortune by causing a person to overlook basic work ethics and morals. To overcome, re-check beliefs about knowledge and power. It is not true that knowledge is power. Only knowledge shared and put to work is power.

Resources

• Top 10 Career Resources
• Improve Your Work Relationships

[Desula]

on 7/13/2008 Wow - this is great info on taking responsibility at work.

[vikki9]

on 7/11/2008 Would this be vital information about yourSelf or something learned within the company? Both?