I am an engineer at a small consulting firm, and have been working at this company for over two months. One of my associates has confided in me that he plans to leave the company soon after receiving his P.E., which will be soon. He himself has only been employed here for 5 months. One of his reasons for leaving is a difference(s) in opinion(s) with our boss. I don't want to take sides with anyone, because I have my own opinions. However, I do have a vested interest in the company, as my objective is to help grow its business. Should I let my boss know that this person is unhappy and might leave the company, or wait until this person has left the company? My concern is that the company would find out that I knew he was going to leave, and that might reflect poorly on me. What to do?
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How to approach? 1
- Thread starter SLMPicker
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I love these questions that seem to come straight from an ethics exam.
First of all, I don't think your knowledge of your coworker's future is going to reflect poorly on you. So, in the end, as I'm sure you undoubtedly know, the decision comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Personally, I wouldn't tell my employer that your coworker plans on leaving, now or ever. Your coworker confided in you, through the grapevine you may say, and expects you to keep this information in confidence. Your coworker will be giving his notice when he is ready to leave. Don't forget, your coworker may not find another position right away and with the PE, your boss may treat him differently and your coworker may choose to stick around.
In the meantime, I would try to learn about the projects that he is working on so you can volunteer to take them over when he leaves, if a replacement hasn't been found by that time. The extra effort on your part should look favorable to your employer.
First of all, I don't think your knowledge of your coworker's future is going to reflect poorly on you. So, in the end, as I'm sure you undoubtedly know, the decision comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Personally, I wouldn't tell my employer that your coworker plans on leaving, now or ever. Your coworker confided in you, through the grapevine you may say, and expects you to keep this information in confidence. Your coworker will be giving his notice when he is ready to leave. Don't forget, your coworker may not find another position right away and with the PE, your boss may treat him differently and your coworker may choose to stick around.
In the meantime, I would try to learn about the projects that he is working on so you can volunteer to take them over when he leaves, if a replacement hasn't been found by that time. The extra effort on your part should look favorable to your employer.
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Thanks guys...
To add info to the issue, I know for a fact this person does have something else lined up, and is waiting to receive his PE results before he goes to the new employer, as a PE is required. He got his results yesterday, so it will only be a matter of time. It leaves me in a bind, as I am the only other structural engineer and have less experience than he. We'll just see what happens. I am going to keep it to myself, and my commitment to work shall be unwavering.
To add info to the issue, I know for a fact this person does have something else lined up, and is waiting to receive his PE results before he goes to the new employer, as a PE is required. He got his results yesterday, so it will only be a matter of time. It leaves me in a bind, as I am the only other structural engineer and have less experience than he. We'll just see what happens. I am going to keep it to myself, and my commitment to work shall be unwavering.
I would'nt be too concerned about your company losing this individual. I would only be concerned if the reason(s) that this person was leaving was serious; (maybe you know their (real$$$) reasons for leaving). I have been in engineering for more than 20 years and I don't believe that this person will be the only one to up and leave a company that you work for, (or own), in such a short time. Your company is probably better off with out him/her. And, you will be better off as you will have to pick up the slack (no pun intended), and your firm may even hire an individual that has a sufficient amount of experience that you will gain not only another coworker, but perhaps a mentor.
What you will need to do to help your firm grow is to do your best, for your primary client (the company that you work for) and ultimately the clients of your firm. Do this by learning as much as possible of the job(s) at hand. Read on a need-to-know-basis; when appoaching a new problem investigate as much as reasonably possible, in the time available, talk with other engineers that have had experience with similar projects/subjects and be critical of your work, your thought process/ rational. If you are not critical of yourself, you'll find plenty of clients, government reviewers, contractors, etc, that will do it for you.
What you will need to do to help your firm grow is to do your best, for your primary client (the company that you work for) and ultimately the clients of your firm. Do this by learning as much as possible of the job(s) at hand. Read on a need-to-know-basis; when appoaching a new problem investigate as much as reasonably possible, in the time available, talk with other engineers that have had experience with similar projects/subjects and be critical of your work, your thought process/ rational. If you are not critical of yourself, you'll find plenty of clients, government reviewers, contractors, etc, that will do it for you.
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