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Ask Rene:
Should I Rat On The Office Cheater?

 

Hi Rene,

Love your website and your point of view… that’s why I need your help!

I work as a secretary at a building company and we all seem to get along except for one girl, Michelle, who is very bossy and shall we say “slightly”, a bit of a bitch to everyone around her (but not to the ones above her!).

A few weeks ago I saw Michelle having drinks with friends – a night out I know she ‘expensed’ as a business cost (I collect all the office expense forms).

So, should I tell on Michelle to our boss – or do you think it will backfire on me?

Thanks,

Rachel in Indianapolis

 

 

Dear Rachel:

The only thing people despise more than the office cheat is the office tattletale so listen and listen well. Keep your mouth shut because this will all work out in the end and you will not even have to get involved.

Until then, think about the following points…

 

2. Telling On Michelle Will Reflect Badly On You

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Refer to above. In many cases (not all - because I have worked for some idiot managers) the people who ascend management positions did it because they are pretty astute. Some, not all. They’re also busy people whose job it is to manage production and harmony in the office environment. When you go to them with this tale of how Michelle is pulling one over on the company, instead of earning your boss’ undying appreciation, he/she is going to wonder why you care about two martinis and some chicken wings. It will look like schoolyard tattling and it will not go over well. Truth be told, if this has been going on for a while, your boss has probably done a bit of gumshoe detective work him or herself and will draw his or her own conclusion and the rest, as they say will be history. Michelle will be too.