The maintaining of confidentiality on the part of a leader is obviously an essential ingredient to the strength of the relationship with a follower. However, oftentimes confidentiality is not viewed as a two-way street.
This poster says it in a manner that suits me best. This means that what my direct report and myself say in private will never be passed onto my superiors with the name of that direct report attached, and I ask the same courtesy in return.
Oftentimes, I’m asked for feedback from my superiors about how those I coach are doing. Without violating this quote, I am able to share that information without attaching names to the feedback – protecting the anonymity of any one with whom I’m in a coaching relationship.
The quote also implies that I’m able to speak honestly enough with the direct report that I will not want myself quoted to anyone else in the company. That understanding gives greater candor to my ability to help the direct report better understand the dynamics of what might be happening in the greater organization at any given time.
When the trust of confidentiality is ever broken by either side, a rapid confrontation and apology needs to be forthcoming (see the poster on Repairing Trust) if the leadership relationship has any hope of surviving.
Categories: Sociability
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