Oopsie at work, what should I do?

Question

I'm an admin assistant at work, and about three years ago, when work was really slow (as everyone was away) I had offered to help this lady out with organizing her business card binder. Well things got really busy before I had the chance to do it and the binder got misplaced and I forgot all about it and apparantly so did she as she never asked me about it. Later that year she retired and left the company. Well, Friday I was going through some old boxes and I found the binder. The person that took her job already has the contact info of everyone he needs and it's been three years. What should I do with it? I am hesistant to bring it up because I have a brand new boss (it's only been a few months) and don't want to make myself look bad, plus he doesn't really NEED it. Should I throw it away or what should I do?

I haven't said anything to the guy that replaced her about it (I haven't told anyone I found it). The thing about him too is he's kind of a jerk sometimes (very sharp and blunt about things). I know he'd probably say something to my boss if I told him.

Answer 1

I'd put it on the retired lady's replacement's desk while he's out to lunch, etc. with a sticky note on it saying that you found it, and ask if he could use it. No harm done.

Answer 2

As the previous owner of the binder is no longer w/ the company it is safe to say they do not need it. If the person who replaced her has all the numbers they need for contacts, you can safely trash it. If there is info on/in the binder that shouldn't be "shared" with people outside the company you would be wise to shred the cards.

Answer 3

It's no big deal. Just go to the guy who took the woman's job and say, "Hey, I found this binder of business contacts that belonged to . I was holding it for her a while ago and I forgot about it and it just turned up. I don't know if this will be of use to you know, but I thought you might want it."

I don't see any reason for him to report this to your boss, and even if he does, your boss will see that you're simply trying to help the company run more smoothly.

Answer 4

A simple, I found this binder when I was clearing up, without embellishment (it is the truth - you were not aware it was there and you found it).
I doubt that anyone will ask any further questions about how it got there, why would they expect you to know?
Don't lie and don't destroy it or throw it away, it's dishonest to do that and it will play on your conscience.
Why make it worse?

Answer 5

You could just throw it away since the woman retired. If you think it may be useful, you could always tell your boss you found it while cleaning but you don't need to say that you knew where it came from. Just say the woman must have left it and you were wondering if it could still be useful. That wouldn't make you look bad. If anything you would look good because you "care" about the company. If you don't want to do that, it's probably outdated and just garbage anyway.

Answer 6

What's the problem? No one has missed it for three years, the person who had it before isn't there anymore.

But just so it doesn't end up in the wrong hands: take it to the person who replaced her and tell him "I was going through some of my things and came across this binder that (whatever her name was) had left with me." You don't have to tell him anymore.

Answer 7

Honesty is the best policy... keep the explaination to your boss short but accurate. Apologize for any inconvenience or responsibility on your part. You will ultimately be better off.

Answer 8

Forget about and life still got a lot of thing to do. Just leave it as it be. You already got the answer that she does not need it anymore.

Answer 9

Just throw it away, Its been 3 years already

Answer 10

I agree with just giving it to your super and saying you found it without embellishing the details.

You would feel bad throwing it out, without knowing it's significance.