Colleague accidentally revealed an internal corporate secret
April 19, 2024 12:15 PM Subscribe
A coworker has accidentally revealed a disruptive company secret to other staff; I was aware of the secret and am now being asked if I knew of it, how to respond? Multiple timezones & work cultures involved.
A coworker (Person A) and myself were informed of a possible corporate reshuffling by some very senior staff, and were specifically told not to mention this to ANYONE else as it hasn't been decided upon and would tend to be disruptive regardless of whether they do or do not proceed. This was in the context of helping us reallocate some of our work in more productive ways. All of the above is in writing.
My coworker (A), in the course of explaining something to another team, accidentally (I assume) mentioned this reshuffling to one of the people who would be affected (Person B). This mistake is also in written form.
Person B has just asked me if I know what is going on. I like them, but I am also personally VERY rigorous when it comes to, um, "information security "and that has been an advantage in my career (I would never make the error my coworker made). I would prefer to avoid a lie, unless I can do so in a way that's unlikely to be exposed.
As it is Friday in my timezone, I have the weekend to consider how to respond to Person B. Any thoughts?
I should also say if the senior staff find out that my coworker (A) let the secret slip to Person B it will be bad for the career of A. Similarly, it would be quite bad for me personally if anyone thought I made a similar mistake. We're not talking about being fired, but rather "Ah, this person cannot be trusted, let's keep that in mind" type of thing.
Person B will not be fired as a consequence of the reshuffle, their team would merely be moved (with them) to a slightly different division, so the secrecy is purely in terms of organizational politics and people getting grumpy about those politics.
A coworker (Person A) and myself were informed of a possible corporate reshuffling by some very senior staff, and were specifically told not to mention this to ANYONE else as it hasn't been decided upon and would tend to be disruptive regardless of whether they do or do not proceed. This was in the context of helping us reallocate some of our work in more productive ways. All of the above is in writing.
My coworker (A), in the course of explaining something to another team, accidentally (I assume) mentioned this reshuffling to one of the people who would be affected (Person B). This mistake is also in written form.
Person B has just asked me if I know what is going on. I like them, but I am also personally VERY rigorous when it comes to, um, "information security "and that has been an advantage in my career (I would never make the error my coworker made). I would prefer to avoid a lie, unless I can do so in a way that's unlikely to be exposed.
As it is Friday in my timezone, I have the weekend to consider how to respond to Person B. Any thoughts?
I should also say if the senior staff find out that my coworker (A) let the secret slip to Person B it will be bad for the career of A. Similarly, it would be quite bad for me personally if anyone thought I made a similar mistake. We're not talking about being fired, but rather "Ah, this person cannot be trusted, let's keep that in mind" type of thing.
Person B will not be fired as a consequence of the reshuffle, their team would merely be moved (with them) to a slightly different division, so the secrecy is purely in terms of organizational politics and people getting grumpy about those politics.
"I haven't seen any announcements like that. Gossip about that kind of stuff floats around all the time, and I assume that C-suite types are always running 'what-if' scenarios about high-level things. *shrug* When they want us to know something, we'll hear about it."
posted by wenestvedt at 12:21 PM on April 19 [12 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 12:21 PM on April 19 [12 favorites]
"People have been talking about stuff along those lines, like they always are, but I hadn't heard that anything had been decided. Has it? Beyond that, I do not know what is going on."
I feel like letting Person B know that it's not 100% new news to you is being truthful. I think you can also be clear that you do not know specifics. And you can not toss Person A under the bus. I think being told that something is "possible" gives plausible deniability to all involved.
posted by jessamyn at 12:25 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
I feel like letting Person B know that it's not 100% new news to you is being truthful. I think you can also be clear that you do not know specifics. And you can not toss Person A under the bus. I think being told that something is "possible" gives plausible deniability to all involved.
posted by jessamyn at 12:25 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
I agree that "I don't know what's going on" is truthful and thus appropriate to say.
Since you don't mention it, I assume this is not someone who is a close work ally/mentor/mentee, in which case it might be a bit more complicated but also require enough nuanced judgment that strangers on AskMe probably couldn't answer it.
posted by praemunire at 12:27 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
Since you don't mention it, I assume this is not someone who is a close work ally/mentor/mentee, in which case it might be a bit more complicated but also require enough nuanced judgment that strangers on AskMe probably couldn't answer it.
posted by praemunire at 12:27 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
Can you ignore the email from B? That would be the best thing to do. I know you like B, but I expect they will understand if you choose not to respond to something like this.
If you believe it's important to respond, I would say something like, "I have a policy of not commenting on things like this. I'm sure if/when there's a decision to make changes, we'll all find out."
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:30 PM on April 19 [7 favorites]
If you believe it's important to respond, I would say something like, "I have a policy of not commenting on things like this. I'm sure if/when there's a decision to make changes, we'll all find out."
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:30 PM on April 19 [7 favorites]
"I'm afraid I can't speak to this. I don't have full information and it's not my place to share this kind of information."
posted by brookeb at 12:37 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
posted by brookeb at 12:37 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you everyone thus far, it has been very helpful in beginning to formulate a reply.
One related question: Person A probably doesn't realize what they've done (different timezone, they were asleep when Person B noticed) -- should I try to inform them? Their work culture generally doesn't engage on the weekend, but I think I can ping them in a way they'll notice before Monday morning their time.
posted by aramaic at 12:55 PM on April 19
One related question: Person A probably doesn't realize what they've done (different timezone, they were asleep when Person B noticed) -- should I try to inform them? Their work culture generally doesn't engage on the weekend, but I think I can ping them in a way they'll notice before Monday morning their time.
posted by aramaic at 12:55 PM on April 19
I think you should stay out of things for now. It's unfortunate that Person A made this mistake, there's not much more they can do beside apologizing and stop talking about this issue with anyone. I think inserting yourself into this dilemma has risks to you.
posted by brookeb at 12:59 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
posted by brookeb at 12:59 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
Hmm, if I had a good relationship with Person A, I might give them a call and mention it, so they don't repeat the error and/or aren't blindsided if it comes up via Person B talking to anyone else. Don't put it in writing. Person A is not going to be happy to hear it but considering that Person B did notice, the news might spread and they should be prepared.
But if not...not.
posted by praemunire at 1:15 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
But if not...not.
posted by praemunire at 1:15 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
“Not too sure about that. I’ve heard some rumblings about this as a possibility, but there are always rumblings of potential changes in one way or another. For now there’s nothing we should actively plan on anyway. If that changes and something like this is announced, we can talk more then.”
posted by samthemander at 1:24 PM on April 19
posted by samthemander at 1:24 PM on April 19
Stay out of this. Try to put it out of your mind. I'd give Person B a bland and non-committal response that avoids overexplaining. But do not lie. This is a great answer, I think:
"I'm afraid I can't speak to this. I don't have full information and it's not my place to share this kind of information."
The damage has already been done. If you start stirring it all up, especially over the weekend, you are going to make a THING of it.
posted by bluedaisy at 1:45 PM on April 19 [3 favorites]
"I'm afraid I can't speak to this. I don't have full information and it's not my place to share this kind of information."
The damage has already been done. If you start stirring it all up, especially over the weekend, you are going to make a THING of it.
posted by bluedaisy at 1:45 PM on April 19 [3 favorites]
Okay, I might possibly mention it to A, but not over the weekend. Just sit on this, even though that's hard.
posted by bluedaisy at 1:46 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
posted by bluedaisy at 1:46 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
It sounds like the message from Person B is in a written/text format since you have the weekend to respond. You know you don't have to answer a question just because it was asked. Is there an option to either address other parts of their message (if there is any) or just delay answering until they ask again? If you can just ask as if the question didn't happen it will get out out of the middle.
If you do need to say something, I would just say, "I haven't heard anything official on the subject." Period, end of comment. If Person B understands corporate culture on this level they will read between the lines that if you did know more, you couldn't say - you don't need to spell it out. If they ask anyway, then you are in position to say "As I'm sure you know, anyone involved in such discussions would be expected to keep it confidential until the decision is made." which if they don't know, is a good lesson and if they do know if a statement that you aren't about to gossip about this without you having to say so.
posted by metahawk at 1:56 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
If you do need to say something, I would just say, "I haven't heard anything official on the subject." Period, end of comment. If Person B understands corporate culture on this level they will read between the lines that if you did know more, you couldn't say - you don't need to spell it out. If they ask anyway, then you are in position to say "As I'm sure you know, anyone involved in such discussions would be expected to keep it confidential until the decision is made." which if they don't know, is a good lesson and if they do know if a statement that you aren't about to gossip about this without you having to say so.
posted by metahawk at 1:56 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
In your shoes, I'd either ignore the e-mail completely or respond to Person B on Monday with something along the lines of "I'm not part of the inner circle on this stuff. There are lots of rumours floating around."
Re informing Person A, if they put their comment in writing, they might realize what happened themselves over the weekend, or B might reach out to them. Either way I'd stay out of it until Monday morning, then give them a call and tell them how you've responded to B rather than leaving more of a trail.
posted by rpfields at 2:04 PM on April 19 [3 favorites]
Re informing Person A, if they put their comment in writing, they might realize what happened themselves over the weekend, or B might reach out to them. Either way I'd stay out of it until Monday morning, then give them a call and tell them how you've responded to B rather than leaving more of a trail.
posted by rpfields at 2:04 PM on April 19 [3 favorites]
I'd agree to fluff away the topic. I would add I dont care for this phrasing at all.... Like not at all:
I'm afraid I can't speak to this. I don't have full information and it's not my place to share this kind of information."
Which is just way to stiff and formal for me. This is also basically saying" I cannot confirm I'm working on that because an NDA prevents me from doing so" which is way more of a committed answer and indicates you absolutely do have information and absolutely will not share it.
I'd go with the more generic forms from other answers to the effect of "eh. I haven't heard anything serious to that effect" or "I haven't a clue if something like that is happening." which are both entirely true.
Or just ignore it for a week. Everyone skips emails. It won't be a crisis. Be prepared with the above fluffy answers if you get contacted via asynchronous communication (call, video etc)
Also just to add, this is nothing of import and you did nothing wrong. Your friend, the releasor did something so minor and inconsequential that I doubt it's a serious faux pas. (although you stated it is and I belive you, just speaking from my own experience and interpretation)
posted by chasles at 2:06 PM on April 19 [4 favorites]
I'm afraid I can't speak to this. I don't have full information and it's not my place to share this kind of information."
Which is just way to stiff and formal for me. This is also basically saying" I cannot confirm I'm working on that because an NDA prevents me from doing so" which is way more of a committed answer and indicates you absolutely do have information and absolutely will not share it.
I'd go with the more generic forms from other answers to the effect of "eh. I haven't heard anything serious to that effect" or "I haven't a clue if something like that is happening." which are both entirely true.
Or just ignore it for a week. Everyone skips emails. It won't be a crisis. Be prepared with the above fluffy answers if you get contacted via asynchronous communication (call, video etc)
Also just to add, this is nothing of import and you did nothing wrong. Your friend, the releasor did something so minor and inconsequential that I doubt it's a serious faux pas. (although you stated it is and I belive you, just speaking from my own experience and interpretation)
posted by chasles at 2:06 PM on April 19 [4 favorites]
Turf it back to Bigmouth A, not least because it will help them learn and they should deal with consequences. I can’t speak to this, these rumors crop up at times, you should ask A for clarification. iIf you do this by email, cc: A.
posted by theora55 at 2:36 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 2:36 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
informed of a possible corporate
“I heard it as one possibility among many.”
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 2:51 PM on April 19
“I heard it as one possibility among many.”
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 2:51 PM on April 19
My employer just loves a re-org. I use "I haven't heard that that's going to happen" a fair bit. And if someone pushes about whether I've heard if it's possible, "Well, a lot of things are possible. I prefer to spend my energy on things I know for sure."
posted by EvaDestruction at 3:06 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
posted by EvaDestruction at 3:06 PM on April 19 [6 favorites]
My most common response to this sort of query is the old Will Rogers line: "All I know is what I read in the papers." This is understood by those who know me that I consider knowledge of this topic sensitive, and I am only comfortable dealing in public information.
This means both "I'm not comfortable telling you" and "I'm not comfortable having this disclosed to me outside channels", and occasionally a bit of "STFU you artless oaf!"
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:30 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
This means both "I'm not comfortable telling you" and "I'm not comfortable having this disclosed to me outside channels", and occasionally a bit of "STFU you artless oaf!"
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:30 PM on April 19 [10 favorites]
"Huh. That sounds like the kind of thing nobody should be commenting on. Whatever the truth is, I wouldn't go repeating it. If A let something like that slip when he shouldn't have, it would be better if we didn't repeat it or discuss it. I'm sorry, I don't feel comfortable talking about it anymore."
posted by amtho at 4:08 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
posted by amtho at 4:08 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
I'd keep it really simple "I'm not sure what's happening, but I imagine management will make it clear soon so I'd just sit tight."
posted by coffeecat at 5:24 PM on April 19 [8 favorites]
posted by coffeecat at 5:24 PM on April 19 [8 favorites]
A coworker (Person A) and myself were informed of a possible corporate reshuffling by some very senior staff, and were specifically told not to mention this to ANYONE else as it hasn't been decided upon and would tend to be disruptive regardless of whether they do or do not proceed. ... Person B has just asked me if I know what is going on.
"Sounds to me like corporate is doing that thing where they inject rumours to figure out who is spreading them."
posted by flabdablet at 6:31 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
"Sounds to me like corporate is doing that thing where they inject rumours to figure out who is spreading them."
posted by flabdablet at 6:31 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
Last time I ran into this, I went with "I haven't heard anything official on that" followed by a meaningful look. Works better in person obviously (and I'd try to keep this out of email if I could). If that's not enough to disengage and you could do it without throwing them under the bus, I'd tactfully redirect it back to Person A as theora55 suggests above. "Maybe A has heard more on this than I have, or maybe they just misspoke, might be worth checking back with them on it, sorry I can't add anything further here." And if that happens over email and A and I have a good working relationship that I want to keep, I probably bcc them on it.
I hate having to be cagey about this sort of thing, personally, but having done it wrong a few times over the years I err on the side of cagey (particularly in writing) unless they're really ride-or-die friends, and it doesn't sound like either A or B are that to you here.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 8:30 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
I hate having to be cagey about this sort of thing, personally, but having done it wrong a few times over the years I err on the side of cagey (particularly in writing) unless they're really ride-or-die friends, and it doesn't sound like either A or B are that to you here.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 8:30 PM on April 19 [1 favorite]
Don’t reply at all, but if you must, definitely don’t reply in writing. Person A fucked up and you don’t want to be on the record as contributing to that fuckup, especially during a reorg.
I know you say you don’t want to lie. Keeping a confidence isn’t lying, in my book. Or anyway, committing to secrecy and then breaking it when pressed seems “more” dishonest if one can rank those things, since you have said you won’t share whereas you don’t have a commitment to person B to share all you know.
posted by kapers at 9:09 AM on April 20
I know you say you don’t want to lie. Keeping a confidence isn’t lying, in my book. Or anyway, committing to secrecy and then breaking it when pressed seems “more” dishonest if one can rank those things, since you have said you won’t share whereas you don’t have a commitment to person B to share all you know.
posted by kapers at 9:09 AM on April 20
Response by poster: Thank you all for your thoughts, they have been enormously helpful.
...I've marked this resolved, and decided against flagging a "best" answer since all of the answers were useful.
posted by aramaic at 9:23 AM on April 20 [5 favorites]
...I've marked this resolved, and decided against flagging a "best" answer since all of the answers were useful.
posted by aramaic at 9:23 AM on April 20 [5 favorites]
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