Should I Share My $75k Commission?

Are you ready for some workplace drama? Let's dive into a Reddit post where a user is questioning whether they are in the wrong for not sharing a hefty commission check with their coworker.

The OP, a 31-year-old male, landed a new role as the primary salesperson for a major account with a sweet 15% commission deal. The account had unprocessed funds amounting to nearly $500,000 over five years, which the OP diligently tracked down, securing a commission check close to $75,000.

The plot thickens when the OP's coworker, a 29-year-old female who worked on the account for three years, voiced her discontent to the boss, claiming it was unfair for the OP to keep the entire commission. The boss, rather controversially, suggested that the OP could split the commission with the coworker.

The Reddit community is split on who is at fault, with some deeming the coworker incompetent for leaving such a substantial amount unclaimed, while others believe the OP should consider sharing the wealth. Some Redditors suggest involving HR, while others advise the OP to stand their ground, emphasizing that the coworker's lack of diligence shouldn't warrant a share of the commission.

The debate rages on about fairness, accountability, and workplace ethics. What do you think?

Should the OP share the commission, or is it rightfully theirs? Join the discussion and share your thoughts on this contentious workplace dilemma.

Original Post

I (31M) recently got promoted to a new position at the start of the year, where I am the primary salesperson for a major account. Prior to this, they were managed by a team of people who also managed a few other accounts, but business with them grew to the point that they wanted a single person dedicated to their account.

I negotiated a 15% commission upon accepting the job, which is more than most others, but I had an offer from another company that I leveraged to get it. Around the beginning of February, my account moved to a new system that gave me access to a wealth of their internal information regarding purchasing history.

That's when I saw that we had close to $500,000 that had been allocated to us over the last five years but had not been processed. I stayed late for the next few weeks, working to track down the orders that had not been processed, and I had to work it out down to the penny in order to get the money.

It took me about 2-4 hours a day for three weeks, but I was able to do it. They paid the bill this past Thursday, and I have a commission check coming to me this Thursday.

If you can do the math, my commission for all of this, before taxes, was just short of $75,000. The person who cuts the checks went around telling people that I received the biggest commission check in company history.

My boss was more than happy to write the check for me, but my coworker (29F), who actually did a lot of the sales calls over the last three years (that's how long she’s been working here, and she’s the only one still here who was working the account), says it’s unfair that I get all of it whenever she did a lot of the work. She complained to my boss, and he told her that I could split it with her if I wanted; I think this was an a-hole move to put the onus on me.

He was also the one who told her I got the money by going through old orders. My judgment is a bit clouded in this.

It’s hard for me to let go of the money when I put so much work into getting it. I also feel like the money wouldn’t even be there for me to claim if she had done her job right the first time.

I don’t know how you leave $500,000 on the table and expect the money that would come out of it.

Understanding Workplace Dynamics

Research from the University of Minnesota highlights the importance of recognizing contributions in workplace settings to maintain morale and productivity.

Dr. Rachel G. Hayes explains that feeling undervalued can lead to resentment and disengagement among employees.

Recognizing each individual's efforts is crucial for creating a collaborative and positive work environment.

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According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, employees who feel their contributions are acknowledged report higher job satisfaction and commitment.

This suggests that open discussions about contributions can help prevent misunderstandings and promote teamwork.

Encouraging regular feedback sessions can create a culture of appreciation and recognition in the workplace.

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The Role of Communication in Teamwork

Effective communication is essential for fostering collaboration in workplace settings.

Dr. Amy C. Edmondson emphasizes that discussing expectations and contributions openly can enhance team dynamics.

By encouraging dialogue about roles and responsibilities, teams can navigate conflicts more effectively and foster understanding.

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Implementing strategies for clear communication can empower team members to express their needs without fear.

Research suggests that using 'I' statements in discussions about contributions can facilitate healthier conversations about roles.

This approach can prevent misunderstandings and promote mutual respect in teams.

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Managing Emotional Responses in the Workplace

Emotional responses to feeling undervalued can be intense, often reflecting deeper feelings of frustration and inadequacy.

Studies indicate that individuals who process their emotions constructively tend to recover more quickly from workplace conflicts.

Dr. John Gottman's research on emotional intelligence suggests that recognizing and articulating feelings can enhance interpersonal understanding.

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Encouraging team members to express appreciation for each other's contributions can foster a supportive environment.

Regular discussions about feelings related to recognition can also help maintain healthy dynamics.

Building a culture of appreciation can enhance teamwork and reduce tensions in the workplace.

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

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Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates the emotional complexities involved in recognizing contributions in workplace relationships.

When individuals feel undervalued, it can lead to frustration and disengagement. Open discussions about contributions can foster a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, navigating workplace dynamics requires clear communication and recognition of contributions.

Research published in the American Psychological Association emphasizes that discussing contributions openly can enhance team satisfaction and reduce conflict.