Scope:      

Duration:

Effective Date:

The Code is effective July 1, 2008. 

Questions or Comments:

Any questions or comments regarding this Code should be directed to any member of the TBEF board.

Code Components:

Background:

Because TBEF is a voluntary association, and due to the sensitive nature of much of the information group members are exposed to, certain standards have been established and agreed upon to help clarify acceptable activities. 

Members need to be constantly aware that other members are entrusting them with information that may be personal, sensitive, or both.  Moreover, members often relay information to the group because they trust the group members, but they are quite adamant that they want the information to go no further.  Past instances of violations have occurred primarily because this confidentiality has been breached. 

Specific Standards:

• General:  TBEF is an executive group and the expectation is that all members will observe standards of conduct, ethics, behavior, and integrity that are substantially above the norm for business. 
• Personal Interaction:  All members are expected to treat all other members with respect and courtesy.  Although frank, candid discussion is one hallmark of an executive, so is civility and consideration.  All members, regardless of the relative level of their past executive experience, should be treated as equals and given equal consideration.  As much as we might be inclined to offer guidance and coaching to more junior members, those are not discussions that should be held publicly.  Each member, as part of the process of joining TBEF, is considered to have implicitly stated their willingness to accept constructive, one-on-one feedback from any other member.  Remember, the purpose of the group is professional advancement for its members and that includes appropriate attempts to coach and develop.
• Confidentiality of Comments: Any comments members may make in meetings about individuals, specific businesses, actions that occurred at previous employers, or similar information should not be repeated without the originating member’s specific approval. 
• Referrals: All referrals given to specific members for introductions or contacts to individuals in a particular company are individual unless stated otherwise.  For example, if Member X gives Member Y the contact information of an individual at Company Z, other members should not assume they are free to use that information for themselves ¾ they need to get the express permission of Member X.  Likewise, the information should never be passed on to others without the express permission of Member X.  This rule holds even if the information was passed in an “open forum” such as a weekly meeting.  Referrals are personal and individual unless the referring individual says otherwise.
• Email:  Emails may come via the TBEF web site or from members directly.  Regardless, emails should not be passed on or quoted in whole or in part without the express permission of the originator.  If you do not mind the contents of your emails being further disseminated, it is good practice to say that at the top of the email.  Otherwise, assume that further dissemination is not permitted.
• Opportunities:  Job postings sent to the group should not be passed on to others without the originating member’s specific approval.  If you do not mind the opportunity being further disseminated, it is good practice to say that at the top of the email.  Otherwise, assume that further dissemination is not permitted.
• Web Site Contents:  Information on the TBEF web site that cannot be accessed without a login and password is considered “behind the wall” and is for member use only.  It cannot be shared with anyone without the express permission of the owner.  For example, each individual is the owner of the resume they post on the site, so nobody should distribute that resume ¾ no matter how well-intentioned ¾ without the owner’s permission.  For certain items that are in the domain of the group as a whole, such as consolidated files containing member profiles, permission is required of the current TBEF Technology Director. 
• Web Site Access:  Access to the members-only area may not be granted to any non-member even if you are present during their use.  Do not pass your login information on to anyone.
• Negotiation/Agency:  No member is authorized to negotiate for the group without obtaining prior approval from the board.  The exception to this is that the Treasurer has blanket authority for single expenditures of $100 or less, with a limit of five such expenditures each month.
• Sensitive Files/Documents:  No member may distribute or disseminate any of the information contained in hard copy of the documents on the web site or documents distributed during regular meetings without the approval of all individuals that would be impacted 
• Personal Contact Information:  Business cards of group members are not considered confidential unless so marked.  Consequently, any individual may pass along the information contained in your business card to anyone.  The only exception to this rule is that members may not pass along cards or card information to someone specifically for the purpose of a solicitation that is not job-related, e.g., insurance, resume services, etc. 

Most of the above standards are commonsense and, with a little forethought, should not be especially difficult to adhere to.

Remember, these standards were established primarily to ensure every member can experience open, frank exchanges, but only to the degree to which they are individually comfortable.  Respect the privacy and confidentiality to which you will be entrusted.