Retaining Counsel

Its been quite a good week so far.

There was an occurrence earlier in the week where I was able to put into practice a useful lesson that I have learned from past experience. It was based on protocal, discretion and political sensitivity!

A colleague had used some data in relation to customers that was personalised in nature. It related to an internal identifier that allowed for access to their individual information.

I had to replicate a report that required the same information and assumed, as my colleague who is more senior and experienced was using it, that it was both acceptable and the norm to use the data in a similar fashion.

I was told when I requested the information that it was confidential and shouldn't be disclosed.

I acknowledged this, but didn't disclose that my colleague had been doing so, so as to avoid putting her under the [negative] spotlight in any way.

I then e-mailed my colleague confidentially to inform her of the situation so as to avoid any replication and to "put her in the know". Though surprised, she acknowledged the situation and was grateful for drawing it to her attention.

Previously, I would've divulged the source of my information and said that "X" has been doing it, as Iwould have presumed that it was alright to do so.

From an Asperger perspective of course, I would have simply been be honest and open. That, of course, is not I suspect how other people would have viewed it, so I am pleased that I exercised more tact and discretion and put into practice a lesson from past experience.