By nature, some of us are open and trusting. We share information too freely, and expect that others will guard our personal information. This isn't always the case, and perhaps more often than not, confidential information is shared either inadvertently or intentionally.

"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS"

During World War II the military became concerned that our enemies would gather useful strategic information from the casual conversations, and letters sent home, by soldiers overseas. A government policy was established that prohibited the discussion of certain subjects either verbally, or in writing ("Loose Lips Sink Ships," EyeWitness to History," eyewitnesstohistory.com [1997]). The government's concerns were warranted and the stakes were high. The risk to life and military assets could not be tolerated.

While the stakes might not be as high in the workplace, certainly YOUR SHIP could be figuratively SUNK! By this, I mean that you could suffer loss or damage through loose conversation. Your "secrets" could be revealed and your reputation and prestige could suffer.

Similar to the wartime effort, companies are often engaged in a form of "economic warfare." They have "trade secrets," strategic directions, products or programs about to be unveiled, etc. You could also sink your company's "ship," inflict some damage, or cause opportunity or economic loss.

KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF

One of the more common violations is to voice your opinions, particularly negative ones, about your organization, your boss, the leadership, the established programs or policies, the competence or character of other employees, etc. This is tempting and normal, after all "free speech" is one of the Constitutional foundations of our democracy. However, if you engage in this type of conversation, do so with the realization that it could "come back to bite you." Your co-workers or superiors could overhear your remarks or be told of them. They may be irritated or offended by your comments, or consider them a breech of "confidentiality."

BE SELECTIVE ABOUT YOUR CONFIDANTS

People have bonds, friendships, associations, etc. The informal organization is often as powerful and influential as the formal one. We're social beings, and this implies a need to connect. We confide in our friends, and most of us have friends at work. Often the subjective information is equally as valid in forming judgments and assessments. That being said, be cautious in whom you choose to confide. Don't be indiscriminate - be selective!  We've all had experiences with people sharing information we specifically asked them not to.

CAPSULIZED ADVICE

- If you talk about subjective work matters, be careful
- Avoid gossip
- Go through your boss: keep him, or her, informed
- Pick your confidants carefully
- Respect confidences, and do not repeat them
- Recognize your reasons for sharing information with others (is it friendship, power, being in the know, frustration, discontent, a desire to help, etc.?)
- Advice should be private
- Be ethical
- Practice loyalty; don't betray
- Exercise discretion
- Protect yourself, and others
- Remember some confidential information is protected by law (e.g., employment, health insurance, credit, etc.)