Your manager says to you, "You seem stressed. Is everything okay?" 

If you ARE stressed, carefully think first before you answer a question like that. It could put you in a vulnerable position work-wise.

These days, when so many of us are stressed about the economy and job security, it's often best to keep your feelings to yourself at work. But make sure you're talking with someone about it - a good friend who's outside of work, your significant other, your mother, your coach, your therapist.

Talk to anyone but NEVER talk to someone at work, even if you think they're your friend. Word spreads.

(C) 2009 Denise Brouillette, San Francisco, CA. All Rights Reserved.

Denise Brouillette is the president of The Innovative Edge LLC and The Women's Edge in Leading.