Do I tell him he is about to get fired 22

[nutengineer]

I am somewhat of Senior Manager in a very large company - 3,500+.

Through a VERY reliable source I have found out that a co-worker junior my status but not a "report" is going to be let go - probability 99.99%. While I consider him a friend - he is probably more an acquaintance - he lives 700 miles away.

Question: Do I tell him??

 

[jmw]

And as an adjunct to Zdas04's answer, most of us older folks have been there (and then some), done that (and then some) and got the T shirt (a drawer full).
There is nothing new in politics nor office politics because its about people.

(Sorry, this "thread complete" bit never seems to work at Eng-Tips).

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I have a (hopefully) slightly different possible solution... lament in casual conversation that a large layoff is coming soon. Get in some comment about "I hope no one is purchasing a house soon..." No need to mention him by name, stare directly at him when the comment is made, just plant the seed in his mind that making large life-changing decisions for the next few months is probably unwise. If queried, reply you have no idea who is included, but it's covering all aspects of the business.

You have not betrayed management's trust by mentioning him specifically (and looking straight at him while saying it is no different than flat out telling him), and you haven't left him out of the loop. He's an adult, he needs to make his own decisions with the information at hand.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[patprimmer]

Dan

Did you see my post of 4 Apr 12 10:43

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm

for site rules

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I have now... ;-)

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[IRstuff]

The "right vs. right" argument leads to an even worse situation.

What makes it "right" to ONLY tell your friend? Don't the other people deserve equal consideration? So should you go and blab this to everyone involved?

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[jmw]

The situation with, to your knowledge just one person at risk, is quite different to hinting that multiple people are at risk especially if the recipient of this information takes it at face value and starts spreading the word/doom and gloom.
Such information has commercial implications and the wider it spreads the more impact it may have.

The spreading of false rumours which might impact share values etc is frowned upon.

I can't see anyone wanting to take such a risk as, as like as not, it could become a self fulfilling prophecy.

Any information can be considered as having some sort of commercial implications. and this is a dangerous area in which to tread.


JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[lacajun]

I would recommend reading "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie to a few of you.

People in the workplace can handle their own emotions and are responsible for them, not someone else. We all understand we are "at will" employees, which sets the rules of engagement.

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC