Loose Lips Sink Ships…and Companies, Too

I was sitting in a cafe recently, waiting for an appointment, minding my own business. Or rather I was trying to mind my own business, but two people sitting at the table next to me prevented me from doing so.  The pair was very openly and loudly discussing an ongoing procurement practices investigation being conducted at their company.  

I won't reveal the name of the company involved in the investigation (to protect the presumed innocent), but I'm sure their ethics officer wouldn't be too pleased to learn that sensitive details of an ongoing concern with Federal authorities were being discussed as casually as the headlines of the morning’s sports section.  I should also point out this incident took place in downtown Washington, DC, so the chances were much higher than usual that a competitor, government official, journalist, or even a blogger could overhear the conversation.  

Sensitive information is always a difficult topic for ethics and compliance officers because the opportunities to violate company standards, or even the law, are myriad.  In addition, protecting sensitive information often seems to go against our instinctive desire to share experiences with colleagues.  But the risks and consequences of indiscretion are very real. 

Here are some tips to consider: 

• Make sure you communicate and train on your confidential information policy and standards.  It’s especially critical to communicate the policy to new employees or employees who recently have been granted access to more sensitive information (such as when they receive a promotion).  Global Compliance’s Careful Business Communication course is a great way to train employees on how to protect information.
• Highlight examples and describe cases where other organizations get it wrong.  Take advantage of the news to demonstrate the consequences of careless communications.   Let others lead with their chin.  We often feature news stories about sensitive information-related problems in our Compliance Communicator newsletter.
• Spend extra time and focus additional attention on higher risk areas.  Business units or locations involved in unusual situations, like a Federal investigation, may suddenly be expected to be much more careful than usual.  Make sure they recognize this fact.

By applying these three tips, your organization should be well on its way to embracing a robust approach to protecting sensitive information—and ensuring your company’s secrets don’t get left behind with the empty coffee cups in a public café!

Santiago Zorzopulos Reich
Senior Consultant