What is your approach when you aren't able to share a full story with a colleague?

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Interviewers need to know if you are capable of being discrete while still completing tasks. There will be times when you will need to have a conversation around a discrete topic and only share the minimum information necessary. Additionally, they need to know that they can trust you to manage sensitive information and only access that information when you absolutely have to.

"When I need to speak about discrete topics, I want to be certain that I don't inadvertently share information that I shouldn't. Some approaches that I use are creating a list of information that is safe to share. Additionally, suppose I have to share information with a colleague but want to avoid oversharing. In that case, I scrub the documents for all relevant information and only refer to the person as 'a client.' I also maintain firm boundaries around client information. If a colleague presses, I am prompt in reminding them that only certain information can be shared for the well-being of our clients."

Anonymous Answer

"Since I manage adjunct faculty there have been situations that we need to terminate their employment. Only details are expressed to the Department Chair, the Dean, and Human Resources. All other colleagues if they ask questions I simply respond with they no longer work for the institution, is there anything I can help you with? If colleagues ask what happen and keep pressing the situation I simply state I cannot disclose any details."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! You come across as very discreet with the ability to withhold confidential information from the people who aren't supposed to have that information. Your response also shows that you maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times and don't partake in office gossip. These are valuable qualities to possess. Nice job!