Mobile IndiscretionAttendance at a professional conference a few weeks ago prompted me to reflect on whether access to mobile phones has inadvertently resulted in a loss of professional discipline - especially regarding the issue of client confidentiality.When the conference chairman called the morning tea break, the bulk of conference delegates rushed for the exit.

As they went, many of them conjured mobile phones from pockets, handbags, or briefcases.

Soon all were engaged in animated and - certainly for any bystander like me - unnecessarily loud one-sided conversations.

Only a very small minority of the delegates showed either the courtesy or the discretion to seek out a quite corner for their conversation.In a few short minutes I over-heard the failings of one firm of solicitors to complete a major transaction; of difficulties with a regulator; and of a leading professional's tryst.These delegates appeared to show an all-too-apparent lack of concern to who may be listening to their conversations.

Perhaps they assumed anonymity in the milling crowd? Yet each wore a conference delegate badge with their name, position, and firm clearly identified on it.It is not just those who attend conferences who appear to have lost the discipline that comes with professionalism.

Many professionals appear to view their commute to work as an extension of working hours.Do these professionals understand the need for client confidentiality? I'm sure they do.

Would these people wish their affairs to be discussed publicly? I think not.Many of these professionals could clearly benefit from time management and delegation training - but perhaps even more they require refresher training on professional ethics.

That said, a simple and cost-effective way of restoring professional discipline while simultaneously ensuring client confidentiality would be for professionals to think twice before using a mobile phone in public places.Martyn McCarthy, European compliance officer, Jones Lang LaSalle/LaSalle Investment Management