I need to be a bit cryptic so here goes: I recently took a new job. A Vice President with my new employer, who is not my manager, shared with me a business related problem that might affect my department. Before sharing this confidential information, he asked me not to share this information with anyone. Should I share it with my boss even though I promised not to tell anyone?

Answer: No. In my opinion, nothing good can come from you telling your manager. If she already knows, she will want to know who told you. If she does not already know, your manager may want more information than you are able to provide.

FYI, I do not want to sound paranoid but some companies test new employees to see if they are capable of keeping secrets. This might be one of those tests, and your ability to keep a secret will or should be seen in a positive light by your manager.