Sometime during our work life we will all come across certain predicaments where we’ll be forced to make a stand. Question is whose side will you take: your boss or your colleague? Are you going to uphold what’s right according to the company standards or will you value your friendship with your colleague more?

In the following situations will you stand up for your colleague or fold?

Your colleague is late for everything.
Punctuality issues can be very hurtful to any type of business. Failure to meet certain deadlines can lead to damaging repercussions. Not showing up on time can be a deal breaker for important negotiations. Will you defend your co-worker or will you let him/her suffer the consequences, regardless of the reason why?

Your colleague lied about something important.
It’s a really tough call especially if you’re on the spot when get caught in the lie. Choosing to side with your colleague in this kind of situation is prevalent in most office settings. Often if you choose to speak up, you could be branded as a squealer who doesn’t know how to play along. When is it ok to cover up for them?

Your boss picks on your colleague.
If you see a colleague of yours consistently being badgered and picked on by your boss while trying hard to do his/her best, would you say anything? Some bosses can be such a pain and while you are not at the receiving end, it can be tormenting to see someone going through the anguish of it all. So…do you speak up or keep your mouth shut?

Your colleague made a mistake.
Everyone makes mistakes. However, some mistakes can be hard to cover up on your own. If you committed a mistake and your colleague rushed to aid you, will you do the same if tables were turned? Helping each other out in the work place can be very healthy. But sometimes there are grave mistakes that shouldn’t be covered up. So if this happens will you stand up for your colleagues because you feel like you owe them or will you walk the righteous path?

Your colleague is being bullied by another colleague.
Though people joining the workforce are considered adults, some people act so childish and more immature than the kids you went to elementary school with. You will find that the popular crowd, the geeks and the bullies still exist…wearing stilettos and suits. Will you stand up for a colleague you know is being bullied or will you just watch from the sidelines?

Weighing between what is wrong and what you feel is right can be difficult. Before you take a stand, get all the facts and assess every situation fully to make sure that you’re standing up for the right reasons.

So…what would you do? Share your thoughts!

Tags: job, job tips, jobs, Personal Branding, professional

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 9:08 am and is filed under Free Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.