Shh: walls have ears Triesman

What struck me with the whole Triesman scandal at the weekend was not that Britain's attempts at hosting the World Cup in 2018 have been scuppered, or even that a man in a position of authority was trying to impress a woman young enough to be his granddaughter. It was that in a position of responsibility and as a figure head of an organisation, he made unguarded comments to someone he didn't know well. He presented himself as untrustworthy; unprofessional and not suitable for the role he was paid to do.

Recently I have had unconnected conversations with two successful female entrepreneurs. One said she is very careful where she has work related conversations, as she never knows how might overhear a comment about one of the multi-national companies she works with. She respects the confidentiality of the work she does, and wishes to avoid competitors hearing about projects she is working on. She even avoids mentioning company names now, unless she is in her office with trusted people. It possibly sounds far fetched but this businesswoman is aware that her reputation is that of being utterly professional and trustworthy.

The other entrepreneur supports business people to fulfil particular projects. Even for an initial meeting, she is aware of her clients being candid about themselves. Unless she picks a suitable location where others can't eavesdrop, she is conscious of a private conversation, not being private! Again, this lady wishes to be utterly professional; respectful of the client's confidentiality and to find somewhere where her clients feel comfortable.

My message today is that the term "Walls have ears", is a warning to all professionals and entrepreneurs. Be careful who you share information with, and where you share it!

Executive Voice are delivering a 1/2 day masterclass "Speak, Connect, Engage" on 7th July in Central London. More Details.

How you react to the snow and what it shows your clients

Yes: it's snowing and schools and businesses are closed. Yes: the roads are dangerous and we are wise to remain at home, unless you can walk to the shops and have suitable footwear.
My dearest brother walked 6 miles to his school; only to find it was closed. However, he was able to advise parents that it was shut.
On the other hand, I have just heard a TA from my son's school had made an 'executive decision' not to come into school; yet was shopping at Tescos (round the corner from the school), in order that her husband's business had enough food to serve today. Goodness me; she's committed.
I know of people: including my husband; who had taken the time to plan his work today, so that he could complete it from home. Other businesses have had 'snow plans' in place; where execs have stayed in hotels close to their offices to avoid important meetings being cancelled, or they have provided access to the company website in order that they can work from home.
Small businesses that we have had dealings with have been in touch today, to say that their services aren't available today, due to staff not being able to come in, or that the premises haven't been opened. At least they have been professional enough to contact us.

So what does that tell me about your business if you aren't open, or are not communicating? What does it tell me about individuals who will not go the extra mile (i.e. by suggesting they work from home or plan their workload so they can complete it at home and be in touch by phone)?
Certainly I understand that it is impossible for some businesses to be open. I am, however, really pleased when the Pilates teacher calls to say that the lesson is cancelled and that I will be refunded. I am disillusioned by the TA who can't be bothered to come into school, yet is available to work at her husband's cafe. (The school was going to open, but people like her saying they couldn't come in, forced the head to change her decision). It is the 'duvet day' type people that give an organisation a really poor image and we wish to avoid this if we are a valuable organisation.

So... How do we communicate with our customers and clients that we ARE a professional company?

• Have an automated email message, stating you are open
• Redirect phone numbers to a home phone (you will have needed to do this before if you aren't in the office)
• If necessary, email or phone clients
• If you have to close or are not able to offer a particular service; let your customers know.
• Don't give in by appearing wimpy; keep going!

Good luck.

Isn't confidentiality part of being professional?

My other business is arranging/co-ordinating/and delivering live entertainment for private and corporate events. Many of our clients do not wish us to publicise who we are working with. We have a professional arrangement with them, and respect their privacy. We also ensure that our entertainers respect their privacy.

I was not surprised that some companies are organising "Secret Santa Parties" to avoid the backlash against Office Parties this year (see article below).
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23786715-secret-santa-parties.do

What I am surprised about is that event management companies have to emphasise that they don't discuss their clients. If I receive service from a client: I expect confidentiality - and this includes the event industry. Strange....

Jumping on the bandwagon - is this professional??

Like most other people, I have been saddened to hear of Jade Goody's fate, and wish her well in earning as much money as possible to provide for her sons, before she dies. It is her decision and she is being very brave.
I also wish her well in trying any therapy, treatment or activity, that makes her last weeks as comfortable and bearable as possible.
However, I was astonished - if not angry - to see Jade's "Life Coach" being interviewed on Sky News on Saturday evening. I know that Jade has endorsed this woman's services in the past. (I'm not going to mention her name as I don't want to give her any further publicity). But my initial reaction was "What is this woman doing: discussing treatment that she's CURRENTLY giving Jade???" Isn't there a confidentiality agreement - written/spoken or otherwise, when someone is being treated or being coached?? This woman was discussing the work she is doing with Jade Goody at the moment and appeared totally unethical that she should be discussing this. Also, it was the most vulgar, unacceptable method of self promotion: discussing the support being given to a dying/suffering client.
The woman concerned appeared on Sky: being interviewed outside the studio. She mentioned the positive thinking she develops in clients and preparation for positive outcomes. "I'm working with Jade on positive outcomes" was her mantra. Yet when the Sky journalist mentioned that Jade was dying and how could this be a positive outcome - our life coach suddenly (conveniently) couldn't hear the question and then continued rabbiting on about unblocking negative thoughts with crystals. The Sky man asked this question a few times then finished the interview (in exasperation probably).
As I said before - whatever someone needs to support them facing what Jade's facing - just go for it. BUT, for someone to be cashing in on a tragedy in this way is obscene. What do you think?