Which Dog Do You Feed? (Wendy Samson, Curt Swenson, 2017)
“There is a good dog and a bad dog fighting within each of us. The one that is going to win is the one we feed the most” – Chinese Proverb
FutureSYNC International’s consultants are often asked to speak on topics that center around creating a confidential workplace; one in which both clients and co-workers feel safe. Participants in our sessions are often surprised to learn that the true meaning of keeping confidentiality is not just guarding our computer filing systems or keeping our clients’ stories to ourselves. Best practices in confidentiality also include the following:
- Giving clients and co-workers the benefit of the doubt, even in dubious or frustrating situations. (This includes thinking the best of the boss when they roll out big changes or make tough decisions.)
- Sharing client/customer information with other co-workers only when it is on behalf of the client. Meeting to discuss issues that can benefit the client/customer is good practice.
- Avoiding triangulation by going right to the source of personal conflict is a part of observing confidentiality in the workplace. (Viewing this direct approach as being honoring rather than offensive often helps co-workers to enter conflict situations more readily, with resolution and reconciliation as their goal.)
- Acknowledging that confidentiality also extends to post-employment. Even after leaving the employ of a company, you are still obligated to keep both their clients’ confidentiality and to act as a respectful former representative of that organization to the public.
Feeding the “good dog” and operating like Nurse #2 takes practice, especially for those raised in an environment where talking about others and breaching confidentiality was the norm. Triangulation, gossip and divisiveness can sometimes feel good and familiar to people! The only way to change the behavior is to begin to recognize and seize those moments in which the “bad dog” is triggered. Mentally de-brief each time, even if you “go there” and prepare yourself to be ready the next time to practice your “good dog” behaviors. Continued practice will start a chemical pattern in your brain that will replace your bad pattern, over time.
Come join FutureSYNC International on April 4th and 5th in Billings, MT in one of our dynamic Executive Intelligence conference in Billings, MT! You can investigate your good dog/bad dog patterns in a safe environment and will grow your leadership! To register, contact us at (406) 254-2326 or email us at info@future-sync.com.