“A fascinating look into why people reveal what they do about themselves—and how we can all communicate better with others.” —Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author of From Strength to Strength
A groundbreaking book on the surprising potential of revealing more of ourselves to others, from a celebrated Harvard Business School professor and expert on the psychology of personal disclosure decisions
We all know the feeling: that gut-wrenching post-conversation replay, cringing at how much we just revealed. We live in fear of saying too much, so we keep our mouths shut, guard our emotions, and lock away our most personal thoughts. But what if we’ve been worrying about the wrong thing?
A growing body of research shows we vastly underestimate the value of sharing more than we think we should, with our spouses, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Drawing on over a decade of research and real-life stories, behavioral scientist Leslie John explores why we hesitate to open up, when sharing really does backfire, and how to strike a balance between too much and too little.
Learning to be more vulnerable and open at work and at home can unlock some of life’s richest rewards: deeper friendships, stronger professional relationships, greater well-being, and, yes, even love. Revealing is a road map for making smarter, bolder, and ultimately more satisfying decisions about just how much you want to share and why.
Praise for Revealing
“A fascinating look into why people reveal what they do about themselves—and how we can all communicate better with others.” —Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Witty, warm, and grounded in science, Revealing will change how you think about every decision to open up or hold back with friends, family, and colleagues.” —Katy Milkman, bestselling author of How to Change
“Unflinchingly honest, rigorously researched, and funny to boot, Leslie John achieves rarefied air with Revealing. This is a book I wish I’d had twenty-five years ago—and one I’ll be recommending to everyone I know.” —Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Shift and Chatter
“Brilliantly researched and deeply human, Revealing brings groundbreaking science to life with riveting stories to show that gutsy reveals can pay off—and I loved every minute of it.” —Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets
“How do you know when sharing yourself is a priceless gift, and when it is an unwelcome burden? Revealing will show you how to answer this question. Essential for work, romance, and family.” —Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor
Leslie John is the James E. Burke Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. Her award-winning research appears in top academic journals and media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. A Canadian-born internationally trained ballet dancer, she now calls Boston home.
View titles by Leslie John
“A fascinating look into why people reveal what they do about themselves—and how we can all communicate better with others.” —Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author of From Strength to Strength
A groundbreaking book on the surprising potential of revealing more of ourselves to others, from a celebrated Harvard Business School professor and expert on the psychology of personal disclosure decisions
We all know the feeling: that gut-wrenching post-conversation replay, cringing at how much we just revealed. We live in fear of saying too much, so we keep our mouths shut, guard our emotions, and lock away our most personal thoughts. But what if we’ve been worrying about the wrong thing?
A growing body of research shows we vastly underestimate the value of sharing more than we think we should, with our spouses, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Drawing on over a decade of research and real-life stories, behavioral scientist Leslie John explores why we hesitate to open up, when sharing really does backfire, and how to strike a balance between too much and too little.
Learning to be more vulnerable and open at work and at home can unlock some of life’s richest rewards: deeper friendships, stronger professional relationships, greater well-being, and, yes, even love. Revealing is a road map for making smarter, bolder, and ultimately more satisfying decisions about just how much you want to share and why.
Reviews
Praise for Revealing
“A fascinating look into why people reveal what they do about themselves—and how we can all communicate better with others.” —Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Witty, warm, and grounded in science, Revealing will change how you think about every decision to open up or hold back with friends, family, and colleagues.” —Katy Milkman, bestselling author of How to Change
“Unflinchingly honest, rigorously researched, and funny to boot, Leslie John achieves rarefied air with Revealing. This is a book I wish I’d had twenty-five years ago—and one I’ll be recommending to everyone I know.” —Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Shift and Chatter
“Brilliantly researched and deeply human, Revealing brings groundbreaking science to life with riveting stories to show that gutsy reveals can pay off—and I loved every minute of it.” —Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets
“How do you know when sharing yourself is a priceless gift, and when it is an unwelcome burden? Revealing will show you how to answer this question. Essential for work, romance, and family.” —Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor
Leslie John is the James E. Burke Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. Her award-winning research appears in top academic journals and media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. A Canadian-born internationally trained ballet dancer, she now calls Boston home.
View titles by Leslie John
