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Should I inform my manager that a colleague is looking for another job if I was told that in confidence?

14

I'm in a situation in which a colleague informed me that he/she was looking for a new job and has a couple of good prospects. I am concerned for the team if this person leaves and I'd like to give my boss a heads-up. But I'm torn because I told this person I wouldn't say anything to anybody about it.

Should I let my boss know about this anyway? And why or why not?

2 Answers

4

Don't tell your boss that your colleague is looking for another job. You explicitly state you told the colleague that is leaving you would not say anything. Just on general principle you should not say anything. Let the managers manage, and keep your honor intact.

3

There are two things here. One is your integrity. You gave your word and should keep it. Second, the professional relationship between your employer and coworker is their business alone. Should your employer ever give any indication a coworker would be let go or reassigned, its up to the employer to communicate that, not you (unless you're a manager of that person).


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Should I inform my manager that a colleague is looking for another job if I was told that in confidence?

14

I'm in a situation in which a colleague informed me that he/she was looking for a new job and has a couple of good prospects. I am concerned for the team if this person leaves and I'd like to give my boss a heads-up. But I'm torn because I told this person I wouldn't say anything to anybody about it.

Should I let my boss know about this anyway? And why or why not?


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9

Don't tell your boss that your colleague is looking for another job. You explicitly state you told the colleague that is leaving you would not say anything. Just on general principle you should not say anything. Let the managers manage, and keep your honor intact.

edit

Managers know that employees leave, and they should have a plan that they are not required to share with the team. The prospects may or may not pan out, and you could get your coworker fired. The only positive of telling the manager is if somehow you can turn it into better terms or working conditions for the entire team, to help retention. - Amy Blankenship May 1, 2013 at 18:07

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