10% Happier with Dan Harris

The Price of Secrecy | Michael Slepian

Jul 28, 2021
Michael Slepian, an Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School, dives into the intricate world of secrets. He reveals that people typically carry about 13 types of secrets, which can significantly impact mental and physical health. The conversation explores the toll of secrecy on relationships and authenticity, the differences in how genders handle secrets, and the vital role of trust when confiding. Slepian also discusses societal pressures that perpetuate secrecy and the transformative power of shared experiences.
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ADVICE

Share Your Secrets

  • Talk to someone about your secrets, even if it's not the person you're hiding them from.
  • Conversations help find healthy ways of thinking about secrets and reduce the burden.
ANECDOTE

The Power of Confession

  • Dan Harris shares a story about a young staffer struggling with new job responsibilities.
  • Confiding in his boss led to training and increased confidence.
ADVICE

Choosing a Confidant

  • Choose your confidant wisely, looking for compassion and assertiveness.
  • Avoid those overly concerned with social norms or too bubbly, as they may not offer the best support.
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