When you need help, share what you can
Confidentiality is important. But so is asking for the right help. Sometimes people ask a technical question in a group without providing enough information to understand the actual problem. When asked for plant data, the common response is: "Sir, we agree with you, but it is confidential to share reports/data of our plant." That's perfectly fine. Don't share confidential information publicly. But then, reach out to the expert individually. Because information is important for finding the right solution. When we need the correct treatment, we tell everything to the doctor. We don't simply say, "I have a problem. Please prescribe something." The same principle applies to technical problems. A few days ago, one of my ex-colleagues joined another plant and approached me about some serious productivity issues. There was another interesting challenge. He couldn't even send an email to anyone outside his company's group. He couldn't share Excel fil...