Should I Cancel My Colleagues Travel Plans for a Better Business Deal?

Some workplaces run on spreadsheets and deadlines, but this one runs on anxiety and last-minute flight changes. A 35-year-old man, stuck trying to seal a make-or-break business deal, is watching his colleague, Sarah, spiral into unpreparedness right before an upcoming trip.

He’s been tasked alongside her to negotiate, he’s convinced he has the missing pieces, and he thinks he can close it solo if he cancels her travel plans behind her back. The twist is that Sarah is described as diligent, just not great under pressure, which makes the “save the deal” move feel like it could also be a betrayal.

Now he’s weighing team loyalty against the kind of opportunity that could change his career overnight.

Original Post

So I'm (35M) in a tough spot at work right now. My colleague, let's call her Sarah, and I were both tasked with sealing a crucial business deal during an upcoming business trip.

It's a make-it-or-break-it situation for us. However, Sarah seems a bit unprepared for the negotiations, and I have information that could help us secure the deal if I handle it myself.

Despite multiple reminders and suggestions to prep, Sarah hasn't shown much improvement. I know that cancelling her flights last minute and going alone would greatly increase our chances of success.

I'm torn between being a team player and ensuring the best outcome for our company. For background, Sarah is a diligent worker but struggles with high-pressure situations.

I believe I have a better chance of closing the deal solo. It's a major opportunity for us, and the stakes are really high.

I honestly don't know if I'm wrong here. So WIBTA for cancelling Sarah's travel plans to secure a better business deal behind her back?

The High Stakes of Team Dynamics

This situation really highlights the tension between individual ambition and team loyalty. The original poster (OP) is faced with a significant business deal that could elevate his career, but at what cost? By contemplating canceling Sarah's travel plans, he’s not just risking her professional reputation; he’s jeopardizing the very team dynamics that can ultimately make or break such deals.

The fact that this is a critical business moment adds another layer of complexity. It’s a classic case of ‘me versus we,’ and the OP's decision could lead to long-term resentment within their team, undermining future collaboration. This is where the stakes get really high.

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Comment from u/Rising_Star22

OP keeps telling Sarah to prep for the negotiations, but the reminders keep landing with no real improvement before that business trip.

Morality in Business

This scenario taps into a bigger conversation about ethics in business. The OP’s desire to prioritize a singular, potentially more lucrative outcome raises questions about integrity and fairness. Is it ever justifiable to put personal gain above the collective good? The community's reactions likely reflect a mix of viewpoints, with some supporting the OP’s strategic mindset while others see it as a betrayal of trust.

It's fascinating how this dilemma resonates with readers, many of whom likely navigate similar tensions in their professional lives. When ambition collides with ethics, where do we draw the line?

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The second he thinks about cancelling Sarah’s flights, the whole trip stops being a trip and turns into a power move.

It’s also similar to the coworker who refused to shift their schedule for a coworker’s family emergency.

His plan to handle the deal alone pits his “best outcome for the company” argument against the risk of torching trust with Sarah.

The Cost of Winning

This story underscores the harsh reality that success in business often comes with a moral price. The OP is likely weighing the potential benefits of landing the deal against the fallout of sidelining a colleague. What happens if Sarah finds out? Not only could it damage their working relationship, but it could also tarnish the company culture.

In today's competitive environment, the temptation to prioritize short-term gains over long-term relationships is palpable. Readers might find themselves debating whether it's worth it to sacrifice trust for a chance at a better deal. It’s a dilemma many can relate to, whether they’re in corporate settings or other team-oriented environments.

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Comment from u/strategy_buff

With the stakes labeled “make-it-or-break-it,” even a small betrayal could echo through every future negotiation they share.

Community Reactions and Divisions

The Reddit community's response to this post likely reflects diverse perspectives on ambition versus loyalty.

Comment from u/jetlagged_Jane

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Final Thoughts

This story serves as a powerful reminder that choices in business often carry heavy moral implications. The OP's dilemma reflects a broader issue many face: balancing personal ambition with team loyalty. As readers consider this conflict, it begs the question: how far would you go to secure your success, and would you risk damaging your relationships in the process? What’s your take on the OP’s choice?

He’s not just deciding who goes on the trip, he’s risking whether Sarah ever trusts him again.

Before you cancel Sarah’s flights, read how one employee debated covering for a struggling colleague on a crucial work trip.