Why did I open my mouth?

Question

I told a co-worker something I should not have. This co-worker in turn told someone else. I am now being confronted about it by my boss, and I denied it. What do I need to do now?

I was asked if I had gotten a raise and I said yes. She then turned around and asked for a raise since I got one. Now my boss is asking me why I told confidential information. I told him that I didn't, only because I got nervous. I am normally very honest. I don't know what happened. The day that I told my co-worker, it was a very intense lunch because someone had resigned their position because they were not given a raise. My co-worker is extremely confrontational. After I told her, the demeanor of the conversation changed. I did not intend to start trouble.

Answer 1

If you're the opposite gender from you're boss, flirt with him/her. If not ask him/her to dinner to clear things up. Well, good luck!

Answer 2

Some people you just got to feel them out before talking to much with them.Just tell her that was something you wished to of kept private and that you are either going to deny it to the boss or fess up and tell the boss you guys got into convo about such and such it led to talking about such and such.I don't see where the problem is you got a raise so be it,that is your information you can tell it if you want.I understand some are not so confrontational and others need to learn to keep there mouths closed.Just be careful now of what you talk to her about keep it about the weather.

Answer 3

You probably should have owned up to it when confronted by your boss. One lie leads to another, and then another... I wouldn't tell that co-worker anything again, that's for sure. However, resolving the current problem is going to be tricky. Probably the best thing to do would be to avoid any conversation that has to do with it, and then pray that it will blow over. Good luck :-)

Answer 4

If you told your co-worker in confidence, you should confront them about it and get them to fix it...if it's something that could get you fired (and its not illegal), deny it, its your word against theirs.

But maybe you'll have to tell your boss that there was a "misunderstanding" and that you are sorry that you were taken out of context.

Answer 5

If you were the only one who knew the thing told then you are already busted and might as well come clean; if there is any doubt that you might have said it, deny it and hope for the best. You know, the old, "that's my story and I'm stickin' to it" line. Unfortunately, in the workplace and elsewhere, people have no concept of loyalty. Good luck!

Answer 6

A story I heard once.

An employee walks up to a coworker
He displayed a blank piece of paper held in his hand.
He says "I'm going to show you a demonstration."
"I have a secret" then he puts a 1 on the piece of paper,
"Now I'm going to tell you the secret" and places another number 1 on the paper,
"Later we are going to go down the hall and tell our friend Bob the secret" and places a third 1 on the piece of paper,
He holds up the piece of paper and proclaims "Look at that! Now 111 (one hundred and eleven) people know the secret!"

Answer 7

It sounds like the truth is going to come out, so be honest front up to it, at least by being truthful you accept responsibilty for your mistake and hopefully you have learned from it. If your boss is any good he/she will relaise no one is perfect!

Good Luck :))

Answer 8

I know a lady who got canned for that - after 20 years there! I'd be proactive and admit to your boss now and apologize.

-MM

Answer 9

Apologize to said co-worker.

Answer 10

All you can really do is apologize and say that it was stupid of you, you regret it etc. Also I would shoot the co-worker that blabbed on you. I hate people like that.