11–20 of 72 posts
Tonight, write down every detail, sign and date (ideally with witnesses). Tomorrow morning, call the FBI. After speaking with the FBI, unless they advise otherwise, brief your CEO.
Only do these things if you are really, really sure the guy actually hit you up for a bribe but if you are - I think you should do these things.
-t
If you had not stood your ground, you would have sacrificed all your hard work for nothing.
If you had pushed any more than you did, you would have created an unnecessary drama that would have diverted your focus.
You feel badly right now because you're normal. This shall pass.
Even the fact that you registered a puppet account to discuss this clearly demonstrates that you know how to handle a delicate business matter. If the quality of your product matches the integrity of your character, you have great success awaiting you.
Respect.
I've dealt with this when I had to mop up after a predecessor made a habit of taking bungs at a government department. My advice to you is that you should have absolutely nothing to do with this. You should forget the sale now (it's a possibility that it was only entertained in the first place because your associate thought the payoff would be likely). If you can anonymously tip off this person's superior one way or…
So, really and truly this government guy hit you up for a bribe? Tonight, write down every detail, sign and date (ideally with witnesses). Tomorrow morning, call the FBI. After speaking with the FBI, unless they advise otherwise, brief your CEO. Only do these things if you are really, really sure the guy actually hit you up for a bribe but if you are - I think you should do these things. -t
Calling the FBI is tricky. I don't have any proof and as a small company, I would prefer not to have a scandal (even with us on the right side of it) be our first introductiion to the rest of the small community. In essence, what I am saying is doing the perfectly right thing would hurt us.
I am thinking seriously about anonymously reporting this though. I don't know if that even works but at least I can say I tried.
I've dealt with this when I had to mop up after a predecessor made a habit of taking bungs at a government department. My advice to you is that you should have absolutely nothing to do with this. You should forget the sale now (it's a possibility that it was only entertained in the first place because your associate thought the payoff would be likely). If you can anonymously tip off this person's superior one way or…
The dilemma is clearly between the larger good and my selfish interest in not seeing my company hurt. The industry we operate in is very narrow and while losing thus customer alone would hurt us a lot, having someone there say negative things about us could destroy us. I have already written off this customer, because if nothing else, the stress of having to manage a corrupt person while not indulging in corruption i…
Ya never know . . .
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I understand, managing this for you has got to be really, really delicate. There's potential downsides in doing nothing as well. I'd still say it is worth having a word with someone more senior if you are able to. He'll likely lose his job, which is a horrible thing to have on your conscience - but if your sale goes through anyway, and he championed it - you could still end up on the hook. You'll either get tarred wi…
Now you have me worried. If I did not offer him anything, how could I be held responsible for colluding with him? I understand the risk of being painted with the same brush. This is all the more infuriating because there are other people, more senior than him at this organization who seemed enthusiastic about the project.
So, really and truly this government guy hit you up for a bribe? Tonight, write down every detail, sign and date (ideally with witnesses). Tomorrow morning, call the FBI. After speaking with the FBI, unless they advise otherwise, brief your CEO. Only do these things if you are really, really sure the guy actually hit you up for a bribe but if you are - I think you should do these things. -t
Already briefed my partner. Calling him again in a few minutes. Calling the FBI is tricky. I don't have any proof and as a small company, I would prefer not to have a scandal (even with us on the right side of it) be our first introductiion to the rest of the small community. In essence, what I am saying is doing the perfectly right thing would hurt us. I am thinking seriously about anonymously reporting this though.…
Yes, it will hurt your firm, short term, odds are. Tough it out. Adhere to the rule of law. Protect your longer term interests.
You nailed it. If you had not stood your ground, you would have sacrificed all your hard work for nothing. If you had pushed any more than you did, you would have created an unnecessary drama that would have diverted your focus. You feel badly right now because you're normal. This shall pass. Even the fact that you registered a puppet account to discuss this clearly demonstrates that you know how to handle a delicate…
So, really and truly this government guy hit you up for a bribe? Tonight, write down every detail, sign and date (ideally with witnesses). Tomorrow morning, call the FBI. After speaking with the FBI, unless they advise otherwise, brief your CEO. Only do these things if you are really, really sure the guy actually hit you up for a bribe but if you are - I think you should do these things. -t
Already briefed my partner. Calling him again in a few minutes. Calling the FBI is tricky. I don't have any proof and as a small company, I would prefer not to have a scandal (even with us on the right side of it) be our first introductiion to the rest of the small community. In essence, what I am saying is doing the perfectly right thing would hurt us. I am thinking seriously about anonymously reporting this though.…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Now you have me worried. If I did not offer him anything, how could I be held responsible for colluding with him? I understand the risk of being painted with the same brush. This is all the more infuriating because there are other people, more senior than him at this organization who seemed enthusiastic about the project.
Don't screw around. You've described yourself as the sole witness the commission of a serious crime. Passivity and/or trying to resolve this "politely" in back channels can bite you by making you an accomplice. If it really was as bad as you describe - your next call should be to the FBI and you should prepare for that by writing down every detail you remember, as carefully and accurately as you can.
I do appreciate your advice on this.