Cabinet Confidential - Why It Is So Important
A big part of The Cabinet is our Code of Ethics. In the world we live in, each of us values having relationships built on trust, integrity and honesty. The Code of Ethics are the rules that have been established to help ensure members of your Local Cabinet conduct themselves properly. By extension, the Code of Ethics provide assurance that your customers and clients will be treated professionally as well, so you can recommend fellow Cabinet members without hesitation.
The foundation of the Cabinet Code of Ethics and the rule that every member of a Local Cabinet must abide by is our Confidentiality Policy. To paraphrase the movie "The Green Mile" - What is said in The Cabinet, stays in the Cabinet.
A major reason for joining a Local Cabinet is to have a safe place to openly discuss key business issues. We all want to have the ability to talk about sensitive issues with trusted advisers, without worrying about one of the members talking about the issue outside of the room. Confidentiality is critical and violating another member's confidence will not be tolerated.
It sounds harsh but it is a requirement. If a member of your Local Cabinet talks about a confidential matter in the Local Cabinet meeting, or later one-on-one, you must not talk about it with anyone outside of the room without permission from the affected member. This means you don't talk to your spouse, your partner, or friends. You just don't talk about it with anyone outside of the members of your Local Cabinet. You are even responsible to make sure that nobody can overhear you discussing the subject if you are talking on the phone or in a public place with another Local Cabinet member.
To help ensure your confidential information is treated appropriately, or if you just want to emphasize the critical nature of the subject, clearly state that "This is Cabinet Confidential." Cabinet Confidential is the phrase we use to clearly signal to everyone who is in the room that the subject matter must stay in the room. That being said, each member must assume that everything said in a Local Cabinet meeting is "Cabinet Confidential", even if a member doesn't say it.
What if somebody admits to violating the law or some extreme example like that? We must always abide by the law. Confidentiality is one thing, covering up a crime is another. Let common sense be your guide and if you have any questions, talk it over with your Cabinet Chair.
One other bit of advice, if you are discussing an issue and your aren't sure it is "Cabinet Confidential" simply ask the person, right then, if this is confidential or not. A good example would be if someone announces they've been hired by a big customer. Some members might want to shout it from the roof tops, others might want to wait until the deal is signed, and some may not ever want it discussed because of the client or the nature of the service provided. When in doubt, ask.
The Local Cabinets are the best value generator for each of us. Maintaining a proper level of confidentiality will ensure each person in the Local Cabinet will get the most value out of being part of The Cabinet.
Carpe Diem !
Curtis
The foundation of the Cabinet Code of Ethics and the rule that every member of a Local Cabinet must abide by is our Confidentiality Policy. To paraphrase the movie "The Green Mile" - What is said in The Cabinet, stays in the Cabinet.
A major reason for joining a Local Cabinet is to have a safe place to openly discuss key business issues. We all want to have the ability to talk about sensitive issues with trusted advisers, without worrying about one of the members talking about the issue outside of the room. Confidentiality is critical and violating another member's confidence will not be tolerated.
It sounds harsh but it is a requirement. If a member of your Local Cabinet talks about a confidential matter in the Local Cabinet meeting, or later one-on-one, you must not talk about it with anyone outside of the room without permission from the affected member. This means you don't talk to your spouse, your partner, or friends. You just don't talk about it with anyone outside of the members of your Local Cabinet. You are even responsible to make sure that nobody can overhear you discussing the subject if you are talking on the phone or in a public place with another Local Cabinet member.
To help ensure your confidential information is treated appropriately, or if you just want to emphasize the critical nature of the subject, clearly state that "This is Cabinet Confidential." Cabinet Confidential is the phrase we use to clearly signal to everyone who is in the room that the subject matter must stay in the room. That being said, each member must assume that everything said in a Local Cabinet meeting is "Cabinet Confidential", even if a member doesn't say it.
What if somebody admits to violating the law or some extreme example like that? We must always abide by the law. Confidentiality is one thing, covering up a crime is another. Let common sense be your guide and if you have any questions, talk it over with your Cabinet Chair.
One other bit of advice, if you are discussing an issue and your aren't sure it is "Cabinet Confidential" simply ask the person, right then, if this is confidential or not. A good example would be if someone announces they've been hired by a big customer. Some members might want to shout it from the roof tops, others might want to wait until the deal is signed, and some may not ever want it discussed because of the client or the nature of the service provided. When in doubt, ask.
The Local Cabinets are the best value generator for each of us. Maintaining a proper level of confidentiality will ensure each person in the Local Cabinet will get the most value out of being part of The Cabinet.
Carpe Diem !
Curtis
