WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

SHOULD I TURN PREDATOR'S MOLE?

Q: I'm on the board of a small company that's the subject of a hostile takeover bid. I am relatively young and this is my first board position Unbeknown to my board, I've been approached to act as a mole for the company making the bid. In the event of a successful bid, my job would be secured and I would be rewarded with increased pay and status. I'm very tempted, especially as the bid comes from a more successful company. But I'm worried about the disloyalty the position entails. Is this how the City works?

A: I think I know what you want to hear. You want me to tell you that, yes - this is indeed the way the City works, that looking after number one is the accepted way of doing things. So you can feel free to embark on your double-dealing with a clear conscience, secure in the knowledge that if you pass up this golden opportunity you'd be more a softie than a saint.