Mark McCormack, an American lawyer and writer, addresses the importance of respecting personal boundaries in the workplace in his essay “To Know When to Say ‘It’s None of Your Business’.” Drawing from his experience managing high-profile sports figures through his International Management Group (IMG), McCormack underscores the need to avoid prying into colleagues’ personal lives and finances.

McCormack begins by describing an executive known for his insatiable curiosity about others’ personal affairs. This executive, while irritatingly intrusive, did not intend harm with the information he gathered. Despite his behavior being relatively benign, McCormack uses this example to illustrate the broader point that such curiosity can lead to discomfort and distrust in professional settings.

The author emphasizes two primary areas to steer clear of: others’ financial details and personal lives. These topics are inherently sensitive, and probing into them can result in misunderstandings and conflicts. He shares an anecdote about a client who inappropriately asked about an illustrator’s pay during a project, a request that was rightly denied. This instance highlights the importance of maintaining professional discretion regarding financial matters.

Further illustrating his point, McCormack recounts a scenario where an employee shared personal details with a CEO, believing their relationship to be friendly. Later, the CEO used this personal information to publicly embarrass the employee, demonstrating the potential risks of sharing too much in a professional environment.

McCormack concludes by advising professionals to maintain a clear boundary between personal and professional interactions. By avoiding the temptation to delve into or share personal details, individuals can protect their own dignity and foster a more respectful, professional atmosphere. The key takeaway is to confidently assert “It’s none of your business” when necessary to safeguard personal privacy and maintain professional integrity.