Should I Outshine My Colleagues Lackluster Presentation to Secure a Promotion?

A tech promotion can turn even the most normal work day into a full-blown courtroom drama, and this one is already messy. OP and Tom are both up for the same role, and they’re not just coworkers, they used to be close work buddies before the competition kicked in.

OP has been grinding, pulling extra hours, taking on the hardest projects, and polishing their presentation until it looks like it belongs in a keynote. Tom, meanwhile, has been missing deadlines and generally showing up with the energy of a draft that never gets reviewed. Then OP finds Tom’s presentation draft sitting open on the shared drive, and it looks… weak. Now OP is tempted to subtly tweak their own slides to make Tom’s weak points stand out even more, basically turning the presentation into a scoreboard.

The only problem, OP might be about to win a promotion the same way you ruin a friendship.

Original Post

So I'm (29M) currently working at a tech company, and there's an upcoming promotion that everyone's eyeing. A colleague, let's call him Tom, and I are both in the running for it.

We were tasked with preparing presentations showcasing our accomplishments. Tom and I used to be close work buddies until we became competitors for this promotion.

For background, I've been putting in extra hours, taking on challenging projects, and ensuring my work is top-notch to stand out. Tom, on the other hand, has been slacking a bit, missing deadlines, and not displaying the same level of dedication.

Knowing that the presentation is crucial for the decision, I've gone above and beyond to make mine visually stunning and packed with impressive data. Here's the dilemma: I accidentally stumbled upon Tom's draft presentation left open on a shared drive.

To my surprise, it feels lackluster compared to mine.

Now, I see an opportunity to showcase myself even more by subtly integrating some of his weaker points into my presentation to highlight the differences in our work ethics and dedication. I know it's risky, but the promotion means a lot to me, and I believe I deserve it based on my hard work and results.

However, the moral compass in me is wavering. Would I be the a*****e if I strategically outshined Tom during the presentation to secure the promotion for myself?

This dilemma hits home for many because it’s not just about career advancement; it’s about friendship. The original poster (OP) is torn between wanting to excel and the potential fallout with a colleague who was once a friend. This situation is a classic example of how competitive environments can strain personal relationships.

When careers are on the line, emotions run high. The OP must weigh the risks of outshining their colleague, which could lead to resentment or even a permanent rift. But it’s equally valid to want recognition for hard work. The tension between ambition and loyalty is palpable, making readers reflect on their own experiences in similar situations.

OP’s presentation is already “visually stunning,” so when they spot Tom’s open draft on the shared drive, it feels like the universe handed them a cheat code.

Comment from u/random_rainbows123

ESH - workplace competition can be cutthroat, but sabotaging a coworker might backfire

Comment from u/techsavvy_guru

NTA - it's a tough call in a competitive environment, do what you think will advance your career

Comment from u/office_drama_queen

YTA - promotions should be about merit, not undermining others, let your work speak for itself

Comment from u/coffeejunkie7

NTA - the workplace is competitive, and sometimes you have to show your worth, just don't cross ethical lines

The awkward part is Tom and OP used to be close, so using Tom’s missed deadlines against him turns old teamwork into a public comparison.

Comment from u/random_birdie87

YTA - it's important to stay ethical, you don't want a promotion tainted with office drama and negativity

It’s a lot like OP debating whether to exclude an inactive coworker from the team presentation.

Comment from u/brandnew_daydream

ESH - while it's natural to want to stand out, consider the long-term consequences of your actions on workplace relationships

Comment from u/codingwizard_gamer

NTA - in a competitive environment, sometimes you have to take strategic steps to get ahead, just be cautious

OP starts thinking about “integrating” Tom’s weaker points, but that’s a fancy way of saying they might weaponize the gap between them during the presentation.

Comment from u/musiclover_forever

YTA - focusing on your own achievements should be enough, no need to compromise your integrity

Comment from u/catwhisperer22

NTA - workplace promotions are competitive, it's about showcasing your strengths, but tread carefully with tactics

Comment from u/random_echo56

YTA - promotions should be won on merit, not by tearing down others, consider the impact on your coworker

And if the promotion goes OP’s way, the real question becomes whether Tom will see it as deserved effort, or a betrayal delivered with slide transitions.</p>

What's your opinion on this situation? Join the conversation!.

The Ethics of Career Competition

At the heart of this story is a moral grey area that many readers found compelling. The OP's decision to potentially outshine a colleague raises questions about ethical boundaries in the workplace. Is it wrong to leverage a colleague's lackluster presentation to enhance your own chances for promotion, especially when it involves personal relationships?

Many readers might think it’s fair game in a competitive tech environment, where performance is king. Yet, others might argue that the OP should help their friend improve rather than step on them to climb the ladder. This debate showcases the conflicting values of ambition versus camaraderie, making it a rich topic for discussion.

What It Comes Down To

This story illustrates the complicated dynamics of workplace relationships and the ethical dilemmas that arise when ambition meets friendship. It forces us to consider where we draw the line between healthy competition and loyalty. As readers reflect on their own professional experiences, it begs the question: how do you balance personal ambition with maintaining your relationships at work?

Why This Matters

The original poster's dilemma reflects the intense pressures of a competitive workplace where ambition often clashes with personal relationships. Their decision to potentially capitalize on Tom's subpar presentation speaks to a survival instinct in environments where promotions can hinge on performance. Yet, the lingering friendship adds a layer of emotional complexity, making the choice to outshine Tom not just a tactical move, but also one that could irreparably damage their relationship. This situation highlights the ethical tightrope many professionals walk when career advancement is at stake.

OP’s promotion could come with a friendship-shaped receipt.

Before you decide, read how OP wrestled with self-promotion versus supporting a stressed coworker in “Balancing Self-Promotion and Compassion at Work”.