I ran into a fellow in town yesterday that I hadn’t seen for some time.  We aren’t friends, exactly — more like acquaintances.  Actually, I have only spoken with this man a few times in my life, even though he is a prominent businessman in the community.  He is a senior manager (not the owner) of a medium sized company and everyone in town knows and likes him.

As we were making conversation, I asked how his business was faring in light of the current economic conditions.  At that point it was as though I’d poked a hole in the dam and the water came rushing out — a little at first then more and more until the reservoir was empty.  I know way more about that business than I should.  I practically know enough to buy the business (if I was inclined.)  I learned about their sales (over the last few years and then recently,) their profits (for the same periods,) what was happening with their customers, all about their payables and receivables.  Basically, all the things you hope nobody will ever know about your business but you.

Now, I don’t know if this guy assumed that because I deal with sensitive information all the time that I am discreet (I am.)  Or maybe for some reason he felt secure that I wouldn’t share the information with anyone else (I won’t.)  But the fact remains, for him to share that information with an “acquaintance” is absolutely wrong.  Really, even if we were best friends that information should have never left the company.  In many ways it made me question the security of the company and the integrity of the manager.

In my businesses I harp and harp on confidentiality.  I don’t think you can say too much.  I’m sure this guy was thinking, “I normally wouldn’t share this, but . . . “  What he really should have said done is forgotten the “but.”  Don’t share that information with anyone.  I even hate having to share that type of information with people who need to know (like accountants and bankers.)  I know how discreet my team is, but what about theirs?  Maybe the banker is just like the guy I met in town.  He normally wouldn’t share this information, but . . . ”

The bottom line is be constantly vigilant so there are no confidentiality breaches in your company.  Your confidential information in the hands of your competitors could be devastating to your company.  Protect those things as though your life depended upon it.  It just might.