A few years ago, I read that the number one trait that a CEO looks for in their executives is discretion. Basically, the ability to keep secrets is a critical skill that is required in the executive ranks. You don't hear much about this and you certainly don't see any training classes on the topic. Some secrets are famous like the seven herbs and spices used by KFC. Perhaps the most famous one for those of us in Atlanta is the formula for Coca-Cola. Since, I am not in management and there is little hope of it ever happening, here you go...

Ingredients:
1 oz. Caffeine Citrate
3 oz. Citric Acid
1 fl. Oz. Vanilla Extract
1 qt. Lime Juice
2.5 oz. Flavoring
30 lb. of Sugar

Other companies are a little more open about their secrets such as Disney. They even found a way to monetize their secrets in an executive training program known as the Disney Institute which is on my bucket list to attend. Discretion is a skill that I need to improve upon but no one ever tells me anything. Maybe this blog has something to do with that. We talk about transparency but some secrets do need to be held in check. Perhaps the key is knowing which ones need to be leaked and which ones don't. Apple seems to have mastered the idea of secrets as well. OK, after I wrote this I did a Google search for best corporate secrets and it looks like Forbes beat me to it. Oh well, a day late and a dollar short.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/02/19/protecting-trade-secrets-leadership-managing-halligan-haas.html