A close colleague and friend is competing with you for the same promotion. Before the final presentation, they ask for help in an area where your expertise could significantly improve their chances. What would you do?
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Why this is difficult
More than a simple either-or
Helping a close colleague reflects generosity, confidence, and the belief that workplace relationships need not disappear during competition. Sharing expertise could preserve trust and allow the promotion decision to rest on each person’s overall strengths. However, refusing can also be reasonable: both colleagues are pursuing the same limited opportunity, and substantial assistance might mean surrendering a legitimate competitive advantage. The request may also blur the line between ordinary collegial support and contributing directly to a rival’s final performance. Much depends on what kind of help is being requested, whether support has been mutual, and what boundaries feel fair.
Other perspectives
How different people might see it
Between both options · 50% Help them · 50% Refuse politely
I would help, though I might keep it to guidance rather than doing the work for them. If my candidacy depends on withholding knowledge from a friend, that would feel like a weak foundation for advancement. Let both presentations improve, and let the decision reflect the stronger overall candidate.
I would refuse politely. This is not routine teamwork; it is a direct competition for one promotion, just before the final presentation. They can seek general resources, but I am not obligated to improve a rival’s case at my own expense. Friendship does not require abandoning reasonable professional boundaries.
Public discussion
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