I have been working in with a company for 2 years and was promoted to management 8 months ago. The owner had a private meeting with me where he explained that he was letting a co-manager of mine go for a lack in performance and that I would need to help cover his responsibilities while a replacement is found. The manager being let go has become a good friend of mine over the last year and was partially instrumental in my promotion.
He is being let go next where he will probably receive a small severance package. It is hard working with him knowing his pending fate next week, but I do not want to put my job in any jeopardy by letting him know. I would normally trust confiding in him, but i don't know how he would react in this situation. I am a single parent and do want to put my own job at risk.
Should I shut up and toe the line, or tell my friend of his coming layoff?
2007-01-19 09:04:44 · 24 answers · asked by bjmarchini 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
If it is a small company, dont. It is easier for it to get back to the boss that way. But, you consider him a friend, and you should be honest, tell him not to say anything, but you heard he is being let go, and he can start seeking new employment.
2007-01-19 09:08:50 · answer #1 · answered by Michele 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
NO way should you tell your co-worker!!
The owner had told you IN CONFIDENCE that he was going to be let go. This is a sign of trust in you by the owner, but you'd by violating something told to you that was supposed to be kept confidential. And if the owner discovers it was you who did it, you might be next to be let go.
I've seen people go totally ballistic right in front of the entire office, and staff and customers couldn't help but hear it. And that's the last thing anybody wants to have happen. And FYI, he'll probably be told at the end of a day at the end of a week. This way, the "damage" is minimized.
And I know how tough it is for someone like yourself who knows of impending bad news, and wants to let him know so it won't come as a complete shock. Especially if you have to see him day in and day out until then. But ultimately, it's your boss (owner) who needs to let him know, NOT you.
Besides, what if for some reason, the owner changes his or her mind. Not very common, but does sometimes happen. Especially where somebody points out that there's a potential lawsuit or a real "broohaha" ahead.
2007-01-19 09:54:50 · answer #2 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately I would advise you to stay quiet and toe the line. That is the cruel reality in the business world - you are not always privileged to do the compassionate thing. As a manager, your job requires you to be discrete and act in the best interest of the company. However, you can support your co-worker/friend by keeping an ear open about new opportunities for him and then being a good reference for him too.
2007-01-19 09:11:04 · answer #3 · answered by Signilda 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I wouldnt say a single word unless asked. This could cause you some issues with your boss given him the idea that you were out to cause some trouble. If it was me I would let your boss be the bad guy Unless you were asked otherwise.
If your friend asks you if you new or not, I would simply say I just found out today and leave it as that. You dont want to lose a good friend, but yet you dont need your boss upset with you either.
Look at it this way, its not your place to say unless you were asked to break the news.
2007-01-19 09:13:19 · answer #4 · answered by slimb20413 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, do not tell him. You cannot 'mix' job ethics with friendship and as a manager you are trusted to not divulge information given you unless instructed/allowed to do so.
If your friend is a true friend he will understand when the time comes and he is told. If not, then perhaps this is one reason why he was unable to perform adequately - an inability to manage appropriately and make good decisions.
I wish you a good outcome and pray the friendship continues to the benefit of both of you.
2007-01-19 09:11:44 · answer #5 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
How horrible! However, unless you want to be fired, you can't say anything. And if you want to stay friends after, you might not want to let him know that you knew.
After your friend is notified, however, be sure to offer to be a reference. (That is, unless you think his performance really is poor.)
It sounds like the owner was unprofessional by telling you too soon in advance about the upcoming lay-off. They may be testing you to see how you handle the news.
Also, if you think he is being unfairly fired, you might want to start looking for your own new job.
2007-01-19 09:13:35 · answer #6 · answered by Jean Talon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really feel for you in this situation, but as many have said, you cannot tell him.
It's these kinds of things exactly that have driven me to start my own business and never have to deal with these issues again.
Being an independent consultant, I move up the ladder through my achievements and problems with staff are non-existent.
2007-01-19 09:28:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tough one...my fiance was in a similar situation, and he didn't tell, but his friend suspected that he knew, anyway, and stopped being friends with him.
I'd tell him, if it were me...that way he could start looking for new work right away. Plus, I believe it's wrong to keep secrets from friends, especially when the secret is regarding them...
I would ask my friend not to let the boss know that I told, and I'd think, if he were a good, understanding, caring friend, he'd oblige..
Also, does your boss know you're friends with him? If so, what was he thinking tell you that he was going to fire your friend? I didn't think employers were allowed to discuss employees with other employees...that's been my experience, anyway.
2007-01-19 09:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by Haven 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unless you want to run the risk of joining him in the unemployment line you keep your mouth shut. You were told this in confidence and will be betraying your boss when you spill the beans. Finally, there is always the chance that your boss is testing your loyalty. Did you ever think that you might be the one to go if you talk and your co-worker will be the one to stay.
2007-01-19 09:11:20 · answer #9 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would keep quiet about it. If you tell him, he will most likely go to the owner either to complain, or try to keep his job. In any case, when the owner finds out that he knows, the owner will know that you told him. Then you may find yourself looking for a new job, since the owner cannot trust you with confidential information.
2007-01-19 09:09:39 · answer #10 · answered by jseah114 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋