Securing a Promotion Using Colleagues Salary Negotiation Tactic: AITA for Not Giving Credit?

A 28-year-old woman just pulled off the kind of promotion win that makes people screenshot their inbox, and then immediately blew up her coworker’s mood. The catch? The whole thing started with a “casual” salary negotiation tip she picked up from a 30-year-old coworker who’d already used it to land a raise.

In her next meeting with her boss, OP repeated the tactic, framed it as her own reasoning, and got both a raise and a higher position. She thought she was doing what ambitious employees do, use what works. He thought she was stealing his moment, especially once he realized his advice was the blueprint behind her success.

Now the office vibe is tense, and OP has to decide whether she should have credited him for a conversation that was never meant to become a scoreboard.

Original Post

I (28F) have been working at a tech company for a few years now, aiming to move up the ranks. Recently, during a casual conversation with a coworker (30M), he mentioned a clever salary negotiation tactic that landed him a significant raise and promotion.

I saw an opportunity and decided to implement a similar strategy in my next meeting with my boss. During the negotiation, I smoothly brought up the points my colleague had shared, showcasing my value to the company.

The tactic worked like a charm, and my boss not only agreed to a raise but also offered me a higher position. I was thrilled with the outcome.

However, when my colleague found out about my success, he seemed upset that I used his tactic without giving him credit. He feels that I should have at least acknowledged his advice, if not shared my success with him.

He even hinted that I wouldn't have secured the promotion without his initial insight. I understand where he's coming from, but I also believe in seizing opportunities and utilizing the tools available to me.

I didn't think it was necessary to credit him for a casual conversation tip. But now, tensions are rising, and our working relationship is getting strained.

So, Reddit, AITA for using my colleague's advice to secure a promotion without acknowledging his contribution?

The Ethics of Credit

This situation raises important questions about workplace ethics and the nature of collaboration. The OP's decision to use a colleague's negotiation tactic without giving credit has sparked a moral dilemma. On one hand, it’s common for professionals to share strategies, yet the expectation of acknowledgment blurs the lines of teamwork and individual recognition.

When the colleague expressed disappointment, it highlighted a conflict that many face in corporate settings: how do you balance personal success with the contributions of others? It’s a reminder that while climbing the corporate ladder, it’s crucial to consider the impact of our actions on our colleagues.

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Right after OP scored the raise and higher position, her coworker found out, and suddenly that “just a tip” felt a lot more personal.

Why This Story Resonated

This story hit home for many readers because it echoes the competitive realities of today’s work environment. The OP's experience is relatable, especially for those figuring out how to negotiate promotions in increasingly cutthroat workplaces. The tension between ambition and ethics sparked a heated debate.

Some commenters sided with the OP, arguing that the corporate world is ruthless, and one must seize opportunities when they arise. Others felt that not giving credit tarnished her achievement, exposing the vulnerability of professional relationships where collaboration is often a double-edged sword.

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The conversation turned into a power struggle when he started implying she would not have gotten the promotion without his initial insight.

This is basically the same mess as the AITA debate over using a coworker’s tips, with tensions rising between coworkers: Using Coworkers Salary Negotiation Tips: AIBTA for Not Giving Credit?.

A Fine Line Between Inspiration and Appropriation

What’s fascinating here is the fine line between inspiration and appropriation.

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OP’s defense is basically, it was a casual exchange, so why does he get credit for it, especially when she brought the points to her boss?

Community Reactions: Divided Opinions

The community reaction to this post was a microcosm of the ongoing conversation about workplace ethics.

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And because tensions are rising fast between them, every future workplace interaction with this coworker feels like it comes with strings attached.

We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

The Bottom Line

This story serves as a reminder that success in the workplace often comes with ethical dilemmas that can strain relationships. The OP's choice to use a colleague's tactic without acknowledgment raises important questions about recognition and collaboration. How do you balance personal ambition with the contributions of others? As workplaces evolve, it’s crucial to navigate these waters thoughtfully. What do you think—should the OP have credited their colleague, or is it fair game in the competitive corporate world?

What It Comes Down To

In this scenario, the 28-year-old woman’s quick adoption of her colleague's negotiation tactic highlights the competitive nature of the corporate world. While she saw it as seizing an opportunity, her colleague's disappointment underscores a common tension in professional relationships—where personal success can overshadow shared contributions. The lack of acknowledgment reveals not just a breach of workplace ethics but also the complexities of collaboration, where individuals often juggle ambition with the need for recognition from peers. Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that success can come at a cost, affecting both career trajectories and workplace camaraderie.

Nobody wants to turn a throwaway negotiation tip into workplace drama, but OP might be the one paying for it.

Guilty or proud, see how the coworker-credited raise sparked a full AITA spiral: Securing a Raise Using Co-Workers Tips.