Generous Salesman Wants To Know If He's An AH For Forwarding Colleague's Email To His Boss And Risking Getting Him Fired

A salesman tried to do the “right” thing, and it somehow turned into a potential career-ending mess. The kind of move that sounds like workplace integrity on paper, but feels like a betrayal the second it hits someone’s inbox.

Here’s the setup: OP is a salesperson who knows how cutthroat the industry can be, and he’s trying not to be the usual sketchy guy. Then a colleague’s email gets forwarded to OP’s boss, and the next day OP suspends the salesman who did it, with firing still on the table. OP insists it’s because the forward crossed a line, but the whole situation is tangled up in workplace power, commission pressure, and who gets to punish whom when it’s not OP’s job to discipline anyone.

Now OP is stuck wondering if he did the ethical thing, or if he just became the kind of person he hates.

The OP writes

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OP knows the reputation salespeople have, and he tries not to be that way

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OP's mentor made more than he has ever made from any deal on that deal

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The whole thing kicks off because OP says he’s trying not to be “that” salesperson, but the forwarded email immediately makes it feel like a power play.

The complexities of workplace dynamics are vividly illustrated in the recent situation involving a salesman who forwarded a colleague's email to their boss, potentially jeopardizing the colleague's job. The interplay of power and communication in such scenarios cannot be understated.

Creating an environment where employees feel secure to share their concerns is crucial. In the case presented, the salesman's actions may reflect a breakdown of this psychological safety, leading to a culture where fear of reprisal outweighs the need for open dialogue. When employees do not feel protected in voicing their issues, it paves the way for unethical practices to flourish, as seen in the tensions surrounding commission-based income and its implications for teamwork and integrity.

The OP found out the next day that they suspended the guy and are considering firing him

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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a**hole:

I could have just kept everything between us and talked to the guy rather than going to his boss.

Here's a bunch of the topmost comments from other Redditors

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OP is not his direct boss

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The next day OP suspends the guy, and suddenly the competitive sales vibe turns into a fight over trust, consent, and who should face consequences.

In this case, forwarding a colleague’s email without consent raises ethical concerns about trust and respect within the workplace.

Research indicates that undermining a colleague can lead to a toxic work environment, as feelings of betrayal and insecurity can flourish.

Workplace bullying, often stemming from power struggles, can lead to decreased job satisfaction and productivity.

This echoes the AITA about refusing to share a bonus with a slacking coworker who expected a split.

The OP shares bonus amongst other things

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The OP shares more information saying:

I didn't say anything to him because I'm not his superior, and sales reprimanding operations would not have been tolerated. I also wanted him to be punished. This is a highly competitive industry, and salespeople are always heavily recruited. While I have a ton of loyalty to this company, that kind of email could easily have cost them all my business. I can take my customer list and walk away tomorrow. Operations should never be sending out emails like that to sales, ever.

OP said he didn't want him fired

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The OP should keep doing great and spreading the wealth

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OP also admits he didn’t talk to the colleague directly, since he’s not the guy’s superior, which makes his “I had to report it” logic even messier.

Ethical leadership is crucial in shaping workplace culture and behavior.

Promoting a culture of accountability can help mitigate the risks associated with unethical behavior, fostering a more collaborative environment.

Hopefully, he goes on to learn from it

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The OP followed the chain of command

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Fulfillment staff may make less in a year

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And when OP mentions how sales reprimands and operations “would not have been tolerated,” it raises the real question: did he protect the team, or just escalate the drama.

To navigate complex workplace relationships, fostering open dialogue is essential.

Employees benefit from commission-based remuneration because it gives them total control over their income. The use of commission pay by an employer does not, in many cases, restrict an employee's ability to grow their own income.

Redditors say that the OP's generosity was so significant that people started taking him for granted. He was declared not the AH, and you too can drop your own verdict in the comments section below.

In the complex landscape of workplace dynamics, the recent situation involving a salesman who forwarded a colleague's email to their boss highlights the delicate balance between transparency and ethical behavior. The act of sharing internal communications can significantly impact relationships and morale among team members.

Promoting a culture of openness is essential in preventing misunderstandings and potential ethical breaches.

He might be worrying about being the AH, but the bigger fear is that his own team will never feel safe again.

Want a different workplace power move? See what happened when a sales manager refused trip perks to a colleague.