Friend Losing His Job.

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I just found out through my consultancy business that one of my friends may be losing his job because his Upper Management wants to eliminate his position and spread his duties among the rest of his co-workers.

It isn't a matter of "downsizing" so much as it is his management's perception that he has tried to make himself indispensable by not sharing his knowledge of certain custom processes that he's developed on company time.

My loyalties are split. Should I tell him everything, give him a more subtle warning, or just keep my mouth shut and feign ignorance when the hatchet falls?

Please vote in the poll, and let me know why you voted that way. Thank you.

(P.S.: You may change your vote at any time.)

I say yes, tell him. My reason is because
1) he's your friend (social contract)
2) you could help with the inside info you have (and its crappy that the management didn't try to help him before deciding to can him)

It depends, to some degree, on if you agree or disagree with the assessment of his behaviour. (I have not voted.)

Fundamentally it's solely a work issue, entirely within a business situation, so you should act in the manner that is most professional.

I'd go with the subtle warning. I'm guessing he'd pick up on it right away without you spelling everything out to him. That way you've supported him without stepping out of bounds professionally.

How did you find out is what I'm wondering. If you say anything, your friend is going to want to know how you know about his situation and he doesn't. And as I understand it, your job is intertwined in this mess? I say NO. You could put your own job in jeopardy and you may not even know all of the facts. I would let it play out on its own.

I haven't voted yet.

What will happen to him when he is fired? As in, does he have good employment prospects? Many dependants?

And will the indirect increase in workload impact on you?

So what did you decide to do? You can't just leave us hanging.

Yeah!

Yes, curious too. My first thought was to tell your friend, being transparent and objective about why (with discretion). However, if such disclosure could jeopardize your professional rapport, usurp supervisory powers, or violate privacy rules at your workplace, then you cannot tell.

Sorry for your friend - very sticky situation indeed.