Rule of thumb
“The only guarantee I will not be discussing you with other people is the fact I am not discussing other people with you.” Should be a rule of thumb in any office. Otherwise is counterproductive and destroys the moral and business eventually. As a matter of fact, not the worst principle for the life outside the office as well. Which is not a surprise because business is just a logical extension of the human relations thus most rules working in daily life will suit office life equally.