The Imprudence of Secrets

The Imprudence of Secrets

My experience in hundreds of organizations is that there are no “secrets.” There are people in Astronomer who knew of the intimate relationship between the CEO and Chief People Officer. There always are. But they chose not to speak up until an embarrassing and unethical relationship caused a public scandal and embarrassment. I tell people in my clients who approach me to tell me a “secret”: “If you are going to tell me something that will affect my client's or this company's well-being, I will not keep what you tell me secret, so consider that before you speak.”