Work relationships are significant. We spend 40 plus hours every week with a select group of individuals either in person or virtually, and good communication and rapport are vital. But should you share your doubts with your team?

The thing is, being an open door is the founding stone of being a good manager, for example, but just how much openness is the right amount and how much is too much can be hard to determine. Let’s dive into some of the possible scenarios/outcomes and see what the best answer is. 

Filter

Vulnerability is an aspect of human nature that instantly helps us connect. Anyone who seems too perfect is out of reach or can even be off-putting to colleagues. Letting people see the human side of you can be very beneficial in creating and establishing trust.

Still, it should be done in moderation and with a filter to avoid being overbearing. Discussing the possible problems with a particular plan/project is a great way to brainstorm, but personal doubts are better left unsaid. Especially in managerial roles, coworkers need a sense of capability and confidence to help them feel secure and perform tasks without second-guessing. 

Balance

As with most things in life, having the proper balance of information shared is vital. There is a sort of sweet spot between sharing too much and seeming cold or walled off. Be friendly and approachable, as long as you aren’t discussing your financial worries, family drama, or even significant concerns about the company. Asking for the expertise of your colleagues who excel in a particular area is a great collaborative benefit. While we all can have a slight bit of imposter syndrome, it’s best just not to bring it up.

Conclusion

Any engaging workplace has a sense of openness and approachability.  Taking advantage of the brilliant minds around you is not only acceptable, but one of the best practices in a vibrant workplace and can help build lasting rapport and trust.

The optimal balance is that employees should feel free to discuss management concerns. In return, managers should be careful not to overshare. So should you share your doubts with your team? Yes and no, as long as you have a proper filter in place and are careful to strike a balance, you have nothing to worry about.