Socialized Not to Tattle Tale: Even Supervisors Hesitate

 In the film "A Bronx Tale" a young boy's horizons broaden when he doesn't rat out the local mafia boss to the police. The latter befriends Calogero Anello, opening up to him a world beyond that of his bus-driver father. 

Anello's decision not to snitch is no surprise. Not being a tattle tale is imprinted on us as soon as we start to interact. At that very young age the consequences, ranging from gum in our hair to shunning, are so severe that it's difficult to shake them off. 

Even those with authority find themselves confused about if to snitch or not to snitch. For instance, on Reddit Big Law a lawyer with supervisory duties posts about what steps to take with an insubordinate associate. From the get-go, of course, they could have gone directly to other supervisors in the loop and, yes, snitch.

Yet that eventual course of action does require a nudge. One comment is:

" ... I'd warn them of that and then be a little tattle tale"

In a large law firm, which operates top-down, the snitch will probably not experience any negative consequences. It's the miscreant who will suffer - badly.

However, in organizations which are not structured that way there could be backlash. If the tattled-on has plenty of internal alliances the authority figure could be shunned. Others might not join their team. How about the snitched-on's protector high-up? The snitch could be reprimanded or more. The badmouthing could go beyond the company: "Watch out for them. They will knife you."

So brutal can be the heat that inexperienced managers who did snitch and lived to regret it learn to handle employee challenges in myriad other ways. 

In my coaching I discuss with clients the wisdom of turning around an employee situation without escalating it to a higher level.

As an intuitive career coach/tarot reader I uncover the opportunities/obstacles in your earning power that others miss. Free confidential consultation. If we work together, fees are custom-made for your budget. For an appointment: contact Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). In-person and remote.