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Q. Recently, I have been put in a very difficult situation. My CEO wants me to do something I consider very unethical; he has also instructed me not tell anyone about it. I am very concerned. First of all, I don’t want to do it. Secondly, I don’t want to withhold things from my boss. Also, I feel like I am becoming the “fall guy.” If the CEO gets caught, I will be the one blamed and fired. How can I explain to my CEO that I don’t want to be part of this unethical thing without losing my job?
Just like this guy, there are many people who interested to know the suggestion and solution about dealing with Unethical Behavior. Read the suggestion from Joseph Grenny (who is coauthor of four-time New York Times bestselling author) to this guy on Dealing with unethical behavior here. <link updated to site home> ( Search On Cite | Search On Google )
From India, Gurgaon
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Q. Recently, I have been put in a very difficult situation. My CEO wants me to do something I consider very unethical; he has also instructed me not tell anyone about it. I am very concerned. First of all, I don’t want to do it. Secondly, I don’t want to withhold things from my boss. Also, I feel like I am becoming the “fall guy.” If the CEO gets caught, I will be the one blamed and fired. How can I explain to my CEO that I don’t want to be part of this unethical thing without losing my job?
Just like this guy, there are many people who interested to know the suggestion and solution about dealing with Unethical Behavior. Read the suggestion from Joseph Grenny (who is coauthor of four-time New York Times bestselling author) to this guy on Dealing with unethical behavior here. <link updated to site home> ( Search On Cite | Search On Google )
From India, Gurgaon
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Ms. Priyanka, thank you for bringing this issue to light. As you mentioned, your CEO is requesting you to perform unethical tasks, but you have not disclosed the specific nature of these tasks.
Nevertheless, if you are uncomfortable following your CEO's instructions while also wanting to retain your job, it is indeed a challenging situation that can be managed with thorough preparation at your end.
Consider expressing your concerns to your CEO by requesting a meeting during office hours. Emphasize your professional and personal respect for him, acknowledging that you have always looked up to his actions and work ethic. Explain that while you have always strived to comply with his directives, you are currently struggling to proceed due to inner conflict and discomfort.
Reassure him that you will maintain confidentiality regarding this matter, regardless of whether you choose to carry out the task. Seek his guidance to navigate this dilemma, as you believe he is the best person to help you resolve it.
Avoid explicitly mentioning fears of losing your job or damaging the company's reputation due to refusing the unethical request. Instead, convey your admiration for him as a professional and express your surprise at receiving such instructions.
Approach this delicate situation tactfully, akin to a film director crafting scripts and dialogues to convey complex emotions effectively. Employ psychological strategies to communicate your reservations while ensuring the conversation remains respectful and constructive.
By handling this matter sensitively and thoughtfully, you can address your concerns without jeopardizing your integrity or position within the organization. Remember, seeking emotional and mental support is always an option if needed to navigate this challenging situation.
Best Regards,
Manish Srivastava
+91-9670766888
From India, Lucknow
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66Nevertheless, if you are uncomfortable following your CEO's instructions while also wanting to retain your job, it is indeed a challenging situation that can be managed with thorough preparation at your end.
Consider expressing your concerns to your CEO by requesting a meeting during office hours. Emphasize your professional and personal respect for him, acknowledging that you have always looked up to his actions and work ethic. Explain that while you have always strived to comply with his directives, you are currently struggling to proceed due to inner conflict and discomfort.
Reassure him that you will maintain confidentiality regarding this matter, regardless of whether you choose to carry out the task. Seek his guidance to navigate this dilemma, as you believe he is the best person to help you resolve it.
Avoid explicitly mentioning fears of losing your job or damaging the company's reputation due to refusing the unethical request. Instead, convey your admiration for him as a professional and express your surprise at receiving such instructions.
Approach this delicate situation tactfully, akin to a film director crafting scripts and dialogues to convey complex emotions effectively. Employ psychological strategies to communicate your reservations while ensuring the conversation remains respectful and constructive.
By handling this matter sensitively and thoughtfully, you can address your concerns without jeopardizing your integrity or position within the organization. Remember, seeking emotional and mental support is always an option if needed to navigate this challenging situation.
Best Regards,
Manish Srivastava
+91-9670766888
From India, Lucknow
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
The example given is not hypothetical, I think. One time or another, it happens in everyone's personal life and career life as well - maybe the degree of the risk associated with it is different. In personal life, it may strain a hitherto important relationship beyond amends; in career life, it may pose a serious threat, the maximum of which can be firing.
The most important thing in such a difficult situation is that if we don't want to say 'YES', we should know how to say 'NO'. Before a crucial conversation over this with the concerned person, it is better to have introspection as to why we alone, particularly dragged into such a situation by the source creating it, be it a relative or our boss. Is it our own vulnerability or the other's predicament? The clear answers to these questions will go a long way in setting forth the course of the proposed crucial conversation to produce a positive result from both perspectives, I hope.
From India, Salem
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The most important thing in such a difficult situation is that if we don't want to say 'YES', we should know how to say 'NO'. Before a crucial conversation over this with the concerned person, it is better to have introspection as to why we alone, particularly dragged into such a situation by the source creating it, be it a relative or our boss. Is it our own vulnerability or the other's predicament? The clear answers to these questions will go a long way in setting forth the course of the proposed crucial conversation to produce a positive result from both perspectives, I hope.
From India, Salem
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