DEAR HARRIETTE: My company cellphone was stolen from me a few days ago. I reported it stolen immediately, and the company was able to get it replaced in no time at all.
What I did not report to my supervisor was the fact that the phone had crucial company data on it and was not password-protected. I am terrified that whoever has this phone will find the data and that there will be serious consequences.
Keeping this to myself has been agonizing, but I cannot lose my job. What should I do?
Stolen Phone
DEAR STOLEN PHONE: Hopefully your phone was a smartphone whose system was shut down remotely when you reported it stolen. There is a good chance that the data was either frozen or deleted remotely once you reported it stolen.
However, that doesn’t address your bigger issue. Even if it might cost you your job, for integrity’s sake you do need to speak to your employer.
Ask about how to ensure that your new phone is safe. Find out what security protocols should be followed to protect confidential company information, and admit that you had not followed all of those protocols with your previous phone. Tell your supervisor that the stolen phone was not password-protected and that there was some sensitive information on it.
Apologize for being careless, and learn what to do now to ensure that you are in full alignment with company policy.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am an introverted woman who is dating a socialite. Surprisingly, we complement each other well. We hardly ever argue, and it seems we have an endless number of things in common.
The only issue that I’m having is adjusting to his extroverted lifestyle. I get anxious being around large groups of people I don’t know, and I have no clue how to be social with strangers.
Making public appearances is a huge part of his job, and he often asks me to accompany him. If I always say no to attending large gatherings with him, I will rarely see him.
Should I just get over it and force myself to tag along?
Dating a Socialite
DEAR DATING A SOCIALITE: You two need to strike a balance in your relationship. You agree to go to some of his many social events, and he agrees to spend more intimate time with you that involves fewer people. This won’t take away your anxiety around being in those crowds, but it will provide a carrot to get you to attend future engagements.
You may also want to join Toastmasters or a similar organization where you learn skills for public speaking and suggestions for how to overcome fear of being in large groups. I know many people who have participated in such programs with great success. You learn tools to push past social anxieties and claim a comfortable, confident place in public settings. Consider that.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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