Submitted by Flatcat on
in
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Hi All, I am seeking some advice here.
I have recently been approached by a company whom I am currently employed in competition with, regarding a senior role in their business. It is a role that I am interested in, however since I started talking with their management, in my role at my current company i been called and asked to meet with one of their major customers as they have some level of discontent with the supply of services from the company who have approached me.
I am unsure as to how I should handle this as I feel that if nothing comes from our discussions that it may be viewed that I was trying to gain 'inside information'. Should I mention to the firm approaching me that I have a potential conflict of interest and alert them to the issue (and demonstrate disloyalty to my current employer) or keep quiet as at this point we are only in discussions?
For me it is important that I maintain my integrity, however I feel either way could compromise it.
Thanks for any guidance you could suggest.
Speak to your supervisor
It occurs to me speaking to your current supervisor is another option. While you did not outline the state of that relationship and I’m sure everyone would recognize the inherent downside (i.e., your addiction to food, clothing, and shelter). To maintain your integrity, I suggest speaking with your current boss.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Dave
Personally, I don't see the conflict.
Your loyalty is to your current company, period. You don't have an job much less an offer from the potential company.
As your current and potential company are competitors, it's normal to have interactions with your common customers, suppliers, etc. You can't put your business life on hold over something that may or may not happen.
I don't understand the "inside information" fear. If I'm considering a job with a company, one of the first things I'd do is reach-out to my network (including customers and vendors) to find out real information about the potential company. It's not inside information, it's using your network.
I respectfully disagree with Dave. Tell no-one. Talking to your supervisor has all downside, and no upside to you.
From an integrity/ethical side, keep your loyalty with your current company until you are RECEIVING A PAYCHECK from the new company. Take the meeting with the customer, be factual and professional. Work hard for your current company until things change. And tell no-one.
I agree with Mike
I agree with Mike. Your discussions about a new role are just about looking at opportunities. You've made no commitments to them that put you in conflict with your current obligations.
Your current obligations require you to meet with the supplier and represent the company that is paying you. You should behave as professionally and ethically as you would if the competitor discussion was removed from the equation.
And I don't think you tell your boss. If asked directly by your boss, you can answer honestly that you are simply managing your career and are listening to opportunites. Because you have behaved in a way that does not disadvantage your current employer, there should be no issue. (I'm pretty sure there's a cast for this who topic, but can't remember the title).