I feel guilty (work related, long)

I support a large sales team. One of the salesmen is frequently late, takes 3hr+ lunches, calls in sick, says hes at meetings when hes not, etc.

He gave in an incorrect time sheet to my boss and my bosses assistant asked me to confirm it. The issue has escalated now. My boss was out for a week and asked me to print out every email I ever received from him that stated where he was and if he was going to be late, etc.

I just printed everything out since my boss is coming back tomorrow. I just feel so guilty though....I have known this salesperson for a very long time, we used to work elsewhere together.

I know this is my job but in a way I feel like I am tattle-taling....what would you do if you were me? Down play it somehow? I dont want him to get in trouble or hate me, but he really does take advantage around here meanwhile no one else does.

I am torn!

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Don't feel guilty, you didn't seek out to rat on him, you were asked.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

You were put on the spot by essentially your boss. You had to tell the truth, you had no choice. Try not to feel guilty, you really had no other option.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Okay well i used to manage a few places and i had good friends that i worked with. I made it clear that work is work and friendships are outside of work. I would not do anything that would jeopardize your job. You're just doing what your boss asked you to do. That is all. It's not like you are going to your boss saying "he was late here and he lied here" and so forth.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

ITA with the above posters. Is he worth potentially jepordizing your reputation or job over? Sorry you are going thru this

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

If your coworker wasn't doing anything wrong, you wouldn't be in this position. He should be apologizing to you for putting you in this spot, and potentially putting your job at risk.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Thank you everyone, you are right! I just need to hear it from someone on the "outside".

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

You are not doing anything wrong. People need to be accountable for what they do and decision they make.

In a way he took advantage of your friendship.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Posted by BabyAvocado

You were put on the spot by essentially your boss. You had to tell the truth, you had no choice. Try not to feel guilty, you really had no other option.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

I'm confused......are You his boss or his equal??? If he's your equal, I don't see how it's your responsibility to provide info on his schedule? I don't think it creates a harmonious working environment when coworkers are pitt against eachother....so If that's the case,I would be sparce w/that info......However, if your his superior and it's a part of your job description,than you don't have a choice but to comply.......

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

You shouldn't feel guilty, he should NEVER have put you in this position to begin with

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Posted by BabyAvocado

You were put on the spot by essentially your boss. You had to tell the truth, you had no choice. Try not to feel guilty, you really had no other option.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Your boss put you in a bad position, but, think about it this way, IF the roles were reversed, would your 'friend' be defending you, or saving his own a$$ ? ........Don't feel guilty, it's not like you marched up to the boss and said "Do you know what so and so has been up to.......?" - Someone who takes advantage of a situation like that, that often is bound to get caught eventually ! -

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Do exactly as you were asked - no more, no less. That's all you can do right now.

Sorry you feel caught in the middle.

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Re: I feel guilty (work related, long)

Don't feel bad! You are doing the right thing........besides you are being asked to do this. They probably caught on.

He's lucky he has gotten away with it for this long........party's over.