At work, I had a 1:1 meeting with a colleague who told me I am being moved to a new department. After some time, I had a meeting with my boss who told me it is official. I blurted out that the other colleague had already mentioned it, because I really believed it isn’t a big deal I already knew and that is the reason I am not suprised by the move. Furthermore, I had told the department head a month before the meeting with the colleague I think moving me would make sense. My boss is on bad terms with the colleague so he used it to attack my colleague by saying he spread confidential information. Things is, I didn’t think it matters in this situation and I really didn’t know the information is so sensitive – in the end, we spoke about *my* position and *my* job. I hadn’t informed anybody prior to this they are considering moving me to another team. I did not do it out of malice or spite, I just considered a done deal.
Nta, you did the right thing
Thank you !
NTA. It’s not your fault, and it sounds like the boss was just waiting for something to use against this colleague.
Yep. Thank you !
NTA. But next time don’t say anything about another person telling you about things before they are officially announced. Even if it pertains to you or your position. If it hasn’t happened through official channels then it hasn’t actually happened yet and is subject to change. Assholes will use anything to fuck with people they don’t like, even if the thing doesn’t seem like a big deal to you personally.
Also you had an easy out and could have just said it wasn’t surprising because you spoke with the department head about it a couple weeks ago so you expected it to happen at some point.
>If it hasn’t happened through official channels then it hasn’t actually happened yet and is subject to change
Thing is, my boss telling me that *was* the official channel. Later that day I got a call from the new boss and I am currently waiting for the new contract, that is why I thought it wasn’t a big deal.
>But next time don’t say anything about another person telling you about things
Yes, this is the big takeaway for me from this. Other people will use anything they can.
>Also you had an easy out and could have just said it wasn’t surprising because you spoke with the department head about it a couple weeks ago so you expected it to happen at some point.
I had already told my boss about me telling my department head about it, so he kinda knew this.
But thank you for the NTA verdict, I really think I didn’t handle the situation good, but at the same time – I am getting caught in the crossfire.
Bro who cares. If he has an issue with the colleague he should talk to him or HR about it. I don’t think this is anything to ask if you’re the asshole about.
Apparently not how office dynamics work – they would prefer to get as much dirt as possible on other people and cause strife. But thank you for the honest opinion, the more I think about this, the more I am like “Why are you guys involving me in a beef I have no relationship to”.
NTA – but come on be a little more aware of office dynamics. Leadership always hates when info slips out before they are ready. Also many bosses like to be the ones to share “good” news. This is common sense sort of stuff.
I don’t know how people are saying NTA. You most definitely are a dumbass for sure.
Your colleague should not have shared the information so that person is an idiot too as it is your supervisor’s place to do it.
Now let me explain office culture, you want to know what is happening behind the scenes then learn to keep your mouth shut. Now you will be known as the big mouth, see how much info you will be left off going forward.
I’m not sure you can vote incorrectly and call them a dumbass in the same line
NTA for your feelings but you really have a lot to learn about office politics.
In this case, you should have acted like you are hearing it for the first time, act “good” or at the best neutral about the news, ask a few basic clarifying questions for show and LEAVE. In essence you blabbing you already knew undermines your boss (you know, the guy who can recommend you get sacked), likely pisses them off against the colleague, and perhaps if the boss has malignant intent now they have ammo to exercise it, potentially getting the colleague sacked.
Google “read the room” and in general keeping your thoughts to yourself is generally a good idea if expressing them will not further YOUR needs and expectations in the moment.