Misuse of trust

July 2nd, 2024

There is a situation that makes me uncomfortable. Or maybe uneasy with all the particulars of this situation. It is a situation at work and I feel like I am getting dirty participating in it. In a nutshell — we have a major supplier who was a good and reliable supplier for many years. Not the cheapest, but overall preferable to others because of the expertise and ability, and know-how. Of course — my company is looking for savings everywhere and they decided to announce the tender for business for 2025. Several different companies went into the process, and as I understand (unofficially so far), the current supplier doesn't look good with their numbers and most likely, we will move on to a new one. Well, that is the corporate business — no niceties but cutthroat competition. They will not suffer much if they lose our business. This company is a huge conglomerate, much bigger than mine. But that is not the point. Over the last year, I developed some good and deep professional relationships with people from that supplier. I like working with them and rely on them for help and advice. Now, of course, they don't know that they most likely will use our business, but on our side, there is pressure to use them for all the new and complicated developments that they can provide, so that will make the job for the new supplier that much easier. And, of course, we provide plenty of (unreliable) forecasted numbers and (empty) promises to try to get from them a lot of work that we then will be able to use elsewhere. Well, that shouldn't be an issue — that's how big businesses operate. And yet, I feel uncomfortable being involved and being right in the middle of it. I guess I am just a big naive and emotional softie, not really cut for the corporate morals and ethics (or lack thereof). I like the way I am, and I don't like the way I have to behave.