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Ethics of Self-Preservation
I’m in a senior place with a advertising and marketing company that’s in dangerous form. Staff are on decreased hours and pay as a result of our work has slowed considerably. The homeowners pledged to get new work however haven’t made any strikes in that path. I’m on the lookout for a brand new job, and I’ve seen some very interesting openings with present shoppers. I’d be an amazing candidate, as a result of I do know most of the gamers, they usually know and like my work. We don’t have a noncompete, however I’m fearful I’d additional hurt my employer if I utilized for a job with its shoppers. Will the shoppers take it as a pink flag? Will I speed up the demise of my present firm if I bounce ship to a consumer?
— Nameless
You’ll not hurt your employer by taking a brand new job with one among its shoppers. You aren’t chargeable for your employer’s demise. If the roles have been reversed, it could not give you a fraction of the consideration you might be providing. It’s a job, and possibly you like it, however as I’ve mentioned many occasions earlier than, it won’t and can’t love you again. If there are not any noncompete points (which can not matter anyway, as the Federal Commerce Fee banned noncompetes final week), by all means, take a job with a consumer. If the consumer asks why you’re leaving your company, you’re welcome to supply a diplomatic reply — or you possibly can inform the reality. This isn’t an moral quandary. It could be unethical provided that, for instance, you took a place with a consumer after which shared proprietary details about your former employer or its different shoppers.
The Overly Conscientious Boss
I handle a small, stellar crew at a nonprofit. After annual evaluations final 12 months, I reached out to my supervisor to request raises for every member of my crew and myself, factoring in each the annual cost-of-living elevate and the benefit raises I wish to see. I then shared what I hoped to get every particular person with that individual, so they might know that they had somebody advocating for them. This appeared like resolution on the time, to indicate I valued their laborious work.
Nonetheless, we just lately acquired our elevate notifications, and, whereas everybody did get a wage bump, we didn’t fairly hit the numbers I hoped for. Now, primarily based on some reactions, I’m fearful that they’re dissatisfied as a result of expectations have been set too excessive. Did I make a mistake in giving them the particular wage will increase I hoped for? How ought to I observe up? Ought to I observe up in any respect?
— Nameless
Although you meant properly, you probably did make a mistake. Sooner or later, you possibly can definitely inform members of your crew you will push for raises, however don’t give them precise numbers till you already know what these numbers are. On this occasion, you set your crew up for disappointment, and that’s what you’re seeing proper now. I’m unsure in the event you ought to observe up. It might simply deepen any resentment they’re feeling — a little bit of salt within the wound. They most likely don’t care about your good intentions proper now. One of the best path ahead is to be taught from this misstep. And don’t be too laborious on your self. You have been performing from place. I’d additionally consider another methods you possibly can present your crew how a lot you worth its laborious work.
