Researchers say a secret can
preoccupy your mind and the more you think about it, the more you use
personal, intellectual and motivational resources.
'Being preoccupied by a secret at work can be demotivating,' said Michael Slepian, an adjunct assistant professor of negotiations at Columbia Business School and co-author of the study. 'The burden of secrecy can make things around you appear more challenging and if you're less motivated to tackle these challenges, your performance can suffer.'