When a coworker asks you to break a rule or share confidential information, say no once and stop. Use "I won't" instead of "I can't," give one brief reason like "we were told not to share the numbers," then end the conversation. Extra explanations only give them more angles to push back on.
If a coworker asks you to break a rule, stop apologizing and also stop giving them 5 reasons for saying no. The more you explain your no, the more negotiable your no can sound. If a coworker asks, what bonus numbers did your employees get? Don't say, I'm sorry, but I probably shouldn't tell you. That sounds like more pressure might change your answer. Instead, say, we were explicitly told not to share the numbers, and I won't. If they say, come on, nobody will know, Say, I heard you. My answer is still no. And stop talking. Every extra reason you give a boundary pusher becomes another objection they can argue against. And notice the difference between I can't and I won't. I can't sounds like some outside force is stopping you. I won't tells them you made the decision. Say no. Give one short reason. Then stop supplying ammunition.
