What to do about a colleague who asked me to help him start a business competing with our employer? [closed]
A colleague (who currently works at the company) told me that he is creating a new business that would be a direct competition of our current company.
He also asked me to help him with a job for his new business due to my skills, but I rejected that proposition.
I just want to forget that matter and never discuss it, but what should I do?
professionalism ethics unprofessional-behavior conflict
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
closed as off-topic by gnat, gazzz0x2z, sleske, Monoandale, scaaahu Dec 8 at 11:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Monoandale, scaaahu
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
|
show 2 more comments
A colleague (who currently works at the company) told me that he is creating a new business that would be a direct competition of our current company.
He also asked me to help him with a job for his new business due to my skills, but I rejected that proposition.
I just want to forget that matter and never discuss it, but what should I do?
professionalism ethics unprofessional-behavior conflict
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
closed as off-topic by gnat, gazzz0x2z, sleske, Monoandale, scaaahu Dec 8 at 11:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Monoandale, scaaahu
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
12
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
2
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
1
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
1
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
1
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28
|
show 2 more comments
A colleague (who currently works at the company) told me that he is creating a new business that would be a direct competition of our current company.
He also asked me to help him with a job for his new business due to my skills, but I rejected that proposition.
I just want to forget that matter and never discuss it, but what should I do?
professionalism ethics unprofessional-behavior conflict
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
A colleague (who currently works at the company) told me that he is creating a new business that would be a direct competition of our current company.
He also asked me to help him with a job for his new business due to my skills, but I rejected that proposition.
I just want to forget that matter and never discuss it, but what should I do?
professionalism ethics unprofessional-behavior conflict
professionalism ethics unprofessional-behavior conflict
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
edited Dec 5 at 4:18
200_success
1,6891122
1,6891122
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
asked Dec 2 at 4:10
Aureon
551
551
closed as off-topic by gnat, gazzz0x2z, sleske, Monoandale, scaaahu Dec 8 at 11:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Monoandale, scaaahu
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as off-topic by gnat, gazzz0x2z, sleske, Monoandale, scaaahu Dec 8 at 11:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Monoandale, scaaahu
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
12
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
2
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
1
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
1
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
1
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28
|
show 2 more comments
12
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
2
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
1
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
1
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
1
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28
12
12
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
2
2
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
1
1
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
1
1
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
1
1
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28
|
show 2 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
You should forget that matter and never discuss it. You are not responsible for the decisions of your friend. It is not your solemn duty to report this to anyone. Just go about your day.
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
add a comment |
When you have a sought after skillset people will often try and factor that into their own agenda if they can. Don't let that happen without clear gain to yourself. In this case you should just ignore your colleague since you're not interested and have no need to take any risks.
There is no need to take it further in any direction including reporting it unless there is a clear personal benefit in doing so and it can be done without negative repercussions. Lastly, if it's not documented, it didn't happen.
In some circumstances if it is provable or you have good rapport with management it might be worth giving them a quiet heads up, if it's a niche service or market where competition will not generate it's own clients but must take others clients, then it is a direct threat to your job security. However these often have non competing clauses written into contracts.
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
add a comment |
It is common practice in the industry that when ever a new industry is established they hire skilled human resource from the already existing successful companies. It not only provides expertise in that field but also divert other experienced employees towards new setup and creates salary competition among owners which ultimately benefit skilled employees . It is common and effective strategy to start new business which your friend has used.
It is entirely your choice that you can decide to accept his offer by evaluating future career appourtunities and salary setup.
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
You should forget that matter and never discuss it. You are not responsible for the decisions of your friend. It is not your solemn duty to report this to anyone. Just go about your day.
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
add a comment |
You should forget that matter and never discuss it. You are not responsible for the decisions of your friend. It is not your solemn duty to report this to anyone. Just go about your day.
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
add a comment |
You should forget that matter and never discuss it. You are not responsible for the decisions of your friend. It is not your solemn duty to report this to anyone. Just go about your day.
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
You should forget that matter and never discuss it. You are not responsible for the decisions of your friend. It is not your solemn duty to report this to anyone. Just go about your day.
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
answered Dec 2 at 4:12
bruglesco
1,533325
1,533325
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
add a comment |
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
4
4
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
no idea why this was downvoted, it's a solid strategy.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 5:02
add a comment |
When you have a sought after skillset people will often try and factor that into their own agenda if they can. Don't let that happen without clear gain to yourself. In this case you should just ignore your colleague since you're not interested and have no need to take any risks.
There is no need to take it further in any direction including reporting it unless there is a clear personal benefit in doing so and it can be done without negative repercussions. Lastly, if it's not documented, it didn't happen.
In some circumstances if it is provable or you have good rapport with management it might be worth giving them a quiet heads up, if it's a niche service or market where competition will not generate it's own clients but must take others clients, then it is a direct threat to your job security. However these often have non competing clauses written into contracts.
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
add a comment |
When you have a sought after skillset people will often try and factor that into their own agenda if they can. Don't let that happen without clear gain to yourself. In this case you should just ignore your colleague since you're not interested and have no need to take any risks.
There is no need to take it further in any direction including reporting it unless there is a clear personal benefit in doing so and it can be done without negative repercussions. Lastly, if it's not documented, it didn't happen.
In some circumstances if it is provable or you have good rapport with management it might be worth giving them a quiet heads up, if it's a niche service or market where competition will not generate it's own clients but must take others clients, then it is a direct threat to your job security. However these often have non competing clauses written into contracts.
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
add a comment |
When you have a sought after skillset people will often try and factor that into their own agenda if they can. Don't let that happen without clear gain to yourself. In this case you should just ignore your colleague since you're not interested and have no need to take any risks.
There is no need to take it further in any direction including reporting it unless there is a clear personal benefit in doing so and it can be done without negative repercussions. Lastly, if it's not documented, it didn't happen.
In some circumstances if it is provable or you have good rapport with management it might be worth giving them a quiet heads up, if it's a niche service or market where competition will not generate it's own clients but must take others clients, then it is a direct threat to your job security. However these often have non competing clauses written into contracts.
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
When you have a sought after skillset people will often try and factor that into their own agenda if they can. Don't let that happen without clear gain to yourself. In this case you should just ignore your colleague since you're not interested and have no need to take any risks.
There is no need to take it further in any direction including reporting it unless there is a clear personal benefit in doing so and it can be done without negative repercussions. Lastly, if it's not documented, it didn't happen.
In some circumstances if it is provable or you have good rapport with management it might be worth giving them a quiet heads up, if it's a niche service or market where competition will not generate it's own clients but must take others clients, then it is a direct threat to your job security. However these often have non competing clauses written into contracts.
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
answered Dec 2 at 4:38
Kilisi
112k61248433
112k61248433
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
add a comment |
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
3
3
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
This is the perfect answer.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 10:50
3
3
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
OP should also pay attention to his employment contract as there are often clauses that prevent going to the competition.
– Answers_Seeker
Dec 2 at 11:58
add a comment |
It is common practice in the industry that when ever a new industry is established they hire skilled human resource from the already existing successful companies. It not only provides expertise in that field but also divert other experienced employees towards new setup and creates salary competition among owners which ultimately benefit skilled employees . It is common and effective strategy to start new business which your friend has used.
It is entirely your choice that you can decide to accept his offer by evaluating future career appourtunities and salary setup.
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
add a comment |
It is common practice in the industry that when ever a new industry is established they hire skilled human resource from the already existing successful companies. It not only provides expertise in that field but also divert other experienced employees towards new setup and creates salary competition among owners which ultimately benefit skilled employees . It is common and effective strategy to start new business which your friend has used.
It is entirely your choice that you can decide to accept his offer by evaluating future career appourtunities and salary setup.
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
add a comment |
It is common practice in the industry that when ever a new industry is established they hire skilled human resource from the already existing successful companies. It not only provides expertise in that field but also divert other experienced employees towards new setup and creates salary competition among owners which ultimately benefit skilled employees . It is common and effective strategy to start new business which your friend has used.
It is entirely your choice that you can decide to accept his offer by evaluating future career appourtunities and salary setup.
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
It is common practice in the industry that when ever a new industry is established they hire skilled human resource from the already existing successful companies. It not only provides expertise in that field but also divert other experienced employees towards new setup and creates salary competition among owners which ultimately benefit skilled employees . It is common and effective strategy to start new business which your friend has used.
It is entirely your choice that you can decide to accept his offer by evaluating future career appourtunities and salary setup.
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
answered Dec 2 at 17:19
Ahmad Raza
678127
678127
add a comment |
add a comment |
12
You... forget the matter and never discuss it. What do you need help with?
– rath
Dec 2 at 4:13
2
Sounds like he wants you as part of his business, best to ignore it, it's unlikely to be viable if he doesn't have the skillset to pull it off on his own. It's just spreading the risk to you.
– Kilisi
Dec 2 at 4:26
1
Yet another absurd downvote on SE.
– Fattie
Dec 2 at 11:05
1
So is your problem that you dont want to work for your friendor that you know that he is working on setting up a competeing business while still being employed at yout employer?
– Sascha
Dec 2 at 12:07
1
what is the conflict of interest that concerns you? the fact your co-worker is starting a competitor of his current employer?, the fact you have been recruited to this competitor? are you diciding if you should tell your boss?
– mhoran_psprep
Dec 2 at 12:28