Workplace conflict of interest issue

[DownsideUp]

I've lurked on this forum, reading posts for awhile and thought someone may be able to share their experiences.

Basically, I work for a decent size agency. Recently, I was approach by a small group of co-workers about a business opportunity. What was shared is group of employees is looking to start their own business. Funding is being gathered, potential clients and work have been identified and they are currently working on strategy. While interesting, I'm not sure that I would want to work with this group or have interest in starting a new job. The downside is that some of the potential clients currently work with our agency and taking them can be a big blow financially.

With that all said, I'm stuck in the middle since I know of the plans, but also do not want my employer to be hurt and potentially not have work. How would someone go about informing senior management and also not becoming collateral damage? I have electronic copies of documentation showing the plans the people being considered as well as the potential client list.

Any advice from anyone that has had a similar experience would be appreciated.



Please answer my PM


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

 

[Codewiz]

So you want to stay at your current company correct?

Well if your current company is going to be hurt and you don't tell them, you will be viewed by your company as someone who stood around and did nothing while business was "stolen" from them.

The only choice I see is that you have to go to management behind closed doors and let them see the documents but do not physically give them the documents.

Be prepared for all the people looking to leave to hate you.

 

[Fern]

You're in a very difficult situation.

IMHO, right now doing nothing is the best avenue.

IDK the type of work you're in etc., but many things could go wrong should you decide to take action one way or another.

As far as clients leaving - it would not be unusual at all for these clients to be seem receptive when approached. But my prediction is that unless there is something seriously wrong with your current firm, or the relationship between that client and the other employee is unusually strong, many clients won't leave. People seem to like being encouraging when someone speaks of launching a new business. However, backing it up by switching to them is a whole 'nother matter.

As far as you employer becoming aware of this - I'd proceed under the assumption that one of the approached clients will tell them, or somebody in that client firm (secretaries know more than anyone else, and they talk to their friends - often meaning those at other firms).

Neutrality is difficult to pull off, but if you go with one or the other one you'll be considered a traitor by the loser.

Good luck.

Fern