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As a professional working for a large electronics firm, Stan found himself riding a roller coaster of concern about layoffs. Every few years, it seemed, top management slashed jobs as work slacked off – only to hire again when things started picking up. So when Stan and his team members noticed that executives were again meeting behind closed doors, they suspected the worst.
Stan’s boss was a very good friend of his. So Stan had no qualms in asking him about the future. His boss explained the contingency plan at length – mentioning that, if layoffs were needed, that Stan’s team member, Jim, would be slated to lose his job. He also made it plain that Stan was to keep that information confidential.
Not long after that conversation, Jim approached Stan and asked whether he would confirm what the rumor mill was saying: that he would be laid off, if there were any layoffs. What should Stan do? He had given his word to his boss not to say anything, but Jim was a good friend and co-worker.
Office supplies (pens, pencils, stapes, paper clips, reams of paper, etc) just arrived for your company. You are the one to verify the order and put the items away in the supply closet. School will soon start, and your children could certainly use some pencils. There are only 12 pencils in a box, and the company ordered 10 boxes. Would it hurt to take a box?