Bosses refuse to follow branding guidelines

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My company recently acquired a new building. The architect proposed a design for the facade that goes against the branding guidelines on use of our company logo.



As the Corpcomms manager, I did my part by letting my bosses know that this is not a good way to proceed. By approving this design, we set a precedence for other departments to do similarly.



Unfortunately today I received an announcement via email from my bosses that they have decided to go ahead with it.



I should probably let it go, but I still disagree. And I definitely don't know how to go on to brief other departments about the branding guidelines in future. What should I do?







share|improve this question
















  • 3




    Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
    – Stephan Kolassa
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:24






  • 1




    possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:55






  • 2




    It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:56










  • If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
    – RBarryYoung
    Mar 20 '14 at 23:45
















up vote
21
down vote

favorite












My company recently acquired a new building. The architect proposed a design for the facade that goes against the branding guidelines on use of our company logo.



As the Corpcomms manager, I did my part by letting my bosses know that this is not a good way to proceed. By approving this design, we set a precedence for other departments to do similarly.



Unfortunately today I received an announcement via email from my bosses that they have decided to go ahead with it.



I should probably let it go, but I still disagree. And I definitely don't know how to go on to brief other departments about the branding guidelines in future. What should I do?







share|improve this question
















  • 3




    Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
    – Stephan Kolassa
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:24






  • 1




    possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:55






  • 2




    It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:56










  • If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
    – RBarryYoung
    Mar 20 '14 at 23:45












up vote
21
down vote

favorite









up vote
21
down vote

favorite











My company recently acquired a new building. The architect proposed a design for the facade that goes against the branding guidelines on use of our company logo.



As the Corpcomms manager, I did my part by letting my bosses know that this is not a good way to proceed. By approving this design, we set a precedence for other departments to do similarly.



Unfortunately today I received an announcement via email from my bosses that they have decided to go ahead with it.



I should probably let it go, but I still disagree. And I definitely don't know how to go on to brief other departments about the branding guidelines in future. What should I do?







share|improve this question












My company recently acquired a new building. The architect proposed a design for the facade that goes against the branding guidelines on use of our company logo.



As the Corpcomms manager, I did my part by letting my bosses know that this is not a good way to proceed. By approving this design, we set a precedence for other departments to do similarly.



Unfortunately today I received an announcement via email from my bosses that they have decided to go ahead with it.



I should probably let it go, but I still disagree. And I definitely don't know how to go on to brief other departments about the branding guidelines in future. What should I do?









share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Mar 20 '14 at 14:44









Myojojo

11414




11414







  • 3




    Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
    – Stephan Kolassa
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:24






  • 1




    possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:55






  • 2




    It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:56










  • If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
    – RBarryYoung
    Mar 20 '14 at 23:45












  • 3




    Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
    – Stephan Kolassa
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:24






  • 1




    possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:55






  • 2




    It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
    – user9158
    Mar 20 '14 at 22:56










  • If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
    – RBarryYoung
    Mar 20 '14 at 23:45







3




3




Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
– Stephan Kolassa
Mar 20 '14 at 15:24




Actually this question and the answers apply more generally: what do we do when the decision makers decide against the experts' recommendations. Either in branding, or in processes, or in software development best practices, ...
– Stephan Kolassa
Mar 20 '14 at 15:24




1




1




possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
– user9158
Mar 20 '14 at 22:55




possible duplicate of Dealing with a designer who won't accept feedback
– user9158
Mar 20 '14 at 22:55




2




2




It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
– user9158
Mar 20 '14 at 22:56




It seem to me that an architectural facade would be so seldomly seen, relative to a web page or print publication, that deviating from the brand guidelines would be unlikely to dilute any brand awareness. Will this actually be an issue?
– user9158
Mar 20 '14 at 22:56












If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
– RBarryYoung
Mar 20 '14 at 23:45




If this decision is within the scope of your boss's authority, then it is inappropriate for you to take the matter any further. Period.
– RBarryYoung
Mar 20 '14 at 23:45










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
39
down vote



accepted










Your boss has made a decision, you have done your duty by pointing out the consequences and stating that you think it is a bad idea. After that, you should let it go, it is not your responsibility.






share|improve this answer
















  • 13




    The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
    – Liath
    Mar 21 '14 at 8:31






  • 2




    Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:34










  • I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
    – Paul Hiemstra
    Mar 21 '14 at 19:14

















up vote
9
down vote













You should remember that your bosses are in charge of the branding guidelines to begin with. Just because the new design doesn't follow the guidelines that they themselves wrote, possibly years ago, doesn't mean that they can't go against those guidelines if they wanted to. It might not look great or even good, but if it was approved by the right manager, you really shouldn't continue to object, at least not publicly.






share|improve this answer




















  • Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
    – Myojojo
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:07






  • 1




    Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:36







  • 1




    It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
    – panoptical
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:58










  • I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
    – Andy
    Mar 22 '14 at 1:35

















up vote
3
down vote













You've met the "due diligence" requirements by advising site management of your concern. You are not obligated to take it further.



In some companies, it may be considered appropriate to take such questions up the chain, either directly or via whatever indirect mechanism the company provides. But it shouldn't be done lightly. Remember that branding guidelines are just that, guidelines, and it's possible site management already has approval from Corporate for the deviation from standard practice... and that if you've been an outspoken critic, you're likely to be suspect as the source of the complaint even if there's an "anonymous suggestion" system in place. And it shouldn't be done contentiously; phrase it as a question rather than an accusation. ("I don't quite understand how this squares with policy, and I'd like to so I can do my job better in the future. Who should I talk to for additional education in this area?") That raises the issue without coming across as a backstab.



If you really think the decision is going to actively damage the trademark protection or otherwise cost the company a huge amount, and are willing to risk betting your job on either being right or being respected for the effort, that's one thing. (I might risk it in my company, for example, if this was an issue in my area of expertise and I thought megabucks were at risk; IBM has a pretty decent history in that regard.)



If not, then pick your battles. Remember that if it is a problem, someone from Corporate and/or the legal department will eventually notice it and decide whether something has to be done about it... and the blame, if any, isn't going to land on you.



(If this was a serious corporate ethics issue, I'd say take it up the chain and damn the torpedoes. But even then I'd phrase no more strongly than "this worries me, but I may be misinterpreting what I'm seeing.")






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    No matter the topic, if it's not illegal or immoral, do whatever your bosses ask you to do. It is their job to make decisions and your job to carry them out. Keep records of any written communication where you reminded them of the conflict and their responses. Store them as long as you can. (Make sure this does not violate any company policy.) This might help you if their superiors question the situation and it comes back to you. After you've done this, let it go and don't let yourself be stressed out by it.






    share|improve this answer






















    • Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
      – CMW
      Mar 20 '14 at 23:27






    • 3




      @CMW Done, as requested.
      – TecBrat
      Mar 21 '14 at 0:23






    • 1




      I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
      – TecBrat
      Mar 21 '14 at 12:44










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    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes








    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

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    up vote
    39
    down vote



    accepted










    Your boss has made a decision, you have done your duty by pointing out the consequences and stating that you think it is a bad idea. After that, you should let it go, it is not your responsibility.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 13




      The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
      – Liath
      Mar 21 '14 at 8:31






    • 2




      Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:34










    • I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
      – Paul Hiemstra
      Mar 21 '14 at 19:14














    up vote
    39
    down vote



    accepted










    Your boss has made a decision, you have done your duty by pointing out the consequences and stating that you think it is a bad idea. After that, you should let it go, it is not your responsibility.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 13




      The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
      – Liath
      Mar 21 '14 at 8:31






    • 2




      Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:34










    • I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
      – Paul Hiemstra
      Mar 21 '14 at 19:14












    up vote
    39
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    39
    down vote



    accepted






    Your boss has made a decision, you have done your duty by pointing out the consequences and stating that you think it is a bad idea. After that, you should let it go, it is not your responsibility.






    share|improve this answer












    Your boss has made a decision, you have done your duty by pointing out the consequences and stating that you think it is a bad idea. After that, you should let it go, it is not your responsibility.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Mar 20 '14 at 14:50









    Paul Hiemstra

    3,8451621




    3,8451621







    • 13




      The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
      – Liath
      Mar 21 '14 at 8:31






    • 2




      Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:34










    • I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
      – Paul Hiemstra
      Mar 21 '14 at 19:14












    • 13




      The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
      – Liath
      Mar 21 '14 at 8:31






    • 2




      Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:34










    • I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
      – Paul Hiemstra
      Mar 21 '14 at 19:14







    13




    13




    The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
    – Liath
    Mar 21 '14 at 8:31




    The only addition to this I'd make is make sure you have an email/letter which shows that you did in fact raise it. That way your manager cannot simply shift blame onto you for not making him aware.
    – Liath
    Mar 21 '14 at 8:31




    2




    2




    Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:34




    Why not, What if he can convince him to change his mind? What if there is money to be saved or lost? Why is this answer correct?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:34












    I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
    – Paul Hiemstra
    Mar 21 '14 at 19:14




    I agree that there is an option to keep perusing the matter, but at some stage you just need to let go and accept the decision. When to push on and when to let go heavily depends on the specific situation, but it seemed prudent here to advice to let go.
    – Paul Hiemstra
    Mar 21 '14 at 19:14












    up vote
    9
    down vote













    You should remember that your bosses are in charge of the branding guidelines to begin with. Just because the new design doesn't follow the guidelines that they themselves wrote, possibly years ago, doesn't mean that they can't go against those guidelines if they wanted to. It might not look great or even good, but if it was approved by the right manager, you really shouldn't continue to object, at least not publicly.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
      – Myojojo
      Mar 20 '14 at 15:07






    • 1




      Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:36







    • 1




      It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
      – panoptical
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:58










    • I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
      – Andy
      Mar 22 '14 at 1:35














    up vote
    9
    down vote













    You should remember that your bosses are in charge of the branding guidelines to begin with. Just because the new design doesn't follow the guidelines that they themselves wrote, possibly years ago, doesn't mean that they can't go against those guidelines if they wanted to. It might not look great or even good, but if it was approved by the right manager, you really shouldn't continue to object, at least not publicly.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
      – Myojojo
      Mar 20 '14 at 15:07






    • 1




      Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:36







    • 1




      It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
      – panoptical
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:58










    • I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
      – Andy
      Mar 22 '14 at 1:35












    up vote
    9
    down vote










    up vote
    9
    down vote









    You should remember that your bosses are in charge of the branding guidelines to begin with. Just because the new design doesn't follow the guidelines that they themselves wrote, possibly years ago, doesn't mean that they can't go against those guidelines if they wanted to. It might not look great or even good, but if it was approved by the right manager, you really shouldn't continue to object, at least not publicly.






    share|improve this answer












    You should remember that your bosses are in charge of the branding guidelines to begin with. Just because the new design doesn't follow the guidelines that they themselves wrote, possibly years ago, doesn't mean that they can't go against those guidelines if they wanted to. It might not look great or even good, but if it was approved by the right manager, you really shouldn't continue to object, at least not publicly.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Mar 20 '14 at 14:50









    panoptical

    3,5761538




    3,5761538











    • Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
      – Myojojo
      Mar 20 '14 at 15:07






    • 1




      Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:36







    • 1




      It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
      – panoptical
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:58










    • I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
      – Andy
      Mar 22 '14 at 1:35
















    • Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
      – Myojojo
      Mar 20 '14 at 15:07






    • 1




      Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
      – IDrinkandIKnowThings
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:36







    • 1




      It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
      – panoptical
      Mar 21 '14 at 16:58










    • I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
      – Andy
      Mar 22 '14 at 1:35















    Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
    – Myojojo
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:07




    Thank you. Hard words but I needed that truth!
    – Myojojo
    Mar 20 '14 at 15:07




    1




    1




    Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:36





    Why not? Why is it ok? Is it ok to fight about it privately then?
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:36





    1




    1




    It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
    – panoptical
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:58




    It is ok to discuss with workers and friends privately and socially. I mean, these kinds of water cooler discussions happen quite a lot where I work. It's not "fighting," just opinionating.
    – panoptical
    Mar 21 '14 at 16:58












    I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
    – Andy
    Mar 22 '14 at 1:35




    I took the question as the boss is the OPs boss, but not the hed of the entire company. As in the boss is a department head, but its not ultimately his choice.
    – Andy
    Mar 22 '14 at 1:35










    up vote
    3
    down vote













    You've met the "due diligence" requirements by advising site management of your concern. You are not obligated to take it further.



    In some companies, it may be considered appropriate to take such questions up the chain, either directly or via whatever indirect mechanism the company provides. But it shouldn't be done lightly. Remember that branding guidelines are just that, guidelines, and it's possible site management already has approval from Corporate for the deviation from standard practice... and that if you've been an outspoken critic, you're likely to be suspect as the source of the complaint even if there's an "anonymous suggestion" system in place. And it shouldn't be done contentiously; phrase it as a question rather than an accusation. ("I don't quite understand how this squares with policy, and I'd like to so I can do my job better in the future. Who should I talk to for additional education in this area?") That raises the issue without coming across as a backstab.



    If you really think the decision is going to actively damage the trademark protection or otherwise cost the company a huge amount, and are willing to risk betting your job on either being right or being respected for the effort, that's one thing. (I might risk it in my company, for example, if this was an issue in my area of expertise and I thought megabucks were at risk; IBM has a pretty decent history in that regard.)



    If not, then pick your battles. Remember that if it is a problem, someone from Corporate and/or the legal department will eventually notice it and decide whether something has to be done about it... and the blame, if any, isn't going to land on you.



    (If this was a serious corporate ethics issue, I'd say take it up the chain and damn the torpedoes. But even then I'd phrase no more strongly than "this worries me, but I may be misinterpreting what I'm seeing.")






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      3
      down vote













      You've met the "due diligence" requirements by advising site management of your concern. You are not obligated to take it further.



      In some companies, it may be considered appropriate to take such questions up the chain, either directly or via whatever indirect mechanism the company provides. But it shouldn't be done lightly. Remember that branding guidelines are just that, guidelines, and it's possible site management already has approval from Corporate for the deviation from standard practice... and that if you've been an outspoken critic, you're likely to be suspect as the source of the complaint even if there's an "anonymous suggestion" system in place. And it shouldn't be done contentiously; phrase it as a question rather than an accusation. ("I don't quite understand how this squares with policy, and I'd like to so I can do my job better in the future. Who should I talk to for additional education in this area?") That raises the issue without coming across as a backstab.



      If you really think the decision is going to actively damage the trademark protection or otherwise cost the company a huge amount, and are willing to risk betting your job on either being right or being respected for the effort, that's one thing. (I might risk it in my company, for example, if this was an issue in my area of expertise and I thought megabucks were at risk; IBM has a pretty decent history in that regard.)



      If not, then pick your battles. Remember that if it is a problem, someone from Corporate and/or the legal department will eventually notice it and decide whether something has to be done about it... and the blame, if any, isn't going to land on you.



      (If this was a serious corporate ethics issue, I'd say take it up the chain and damn the torpedoes. But even then I'd phrase no more strongly than "this worries me, but I may be misinterpreting what I'm seeing.")






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        3
        down vote










        up vote
        3
        down vote









        You've met the "due diligence" requirements by advising site management of your concern. You are not obligated to take it further.



        In some companies, it may be considered appropriate to take such questions up the chain, either directly or via whatever indirect mechanism the company provides. But it shouldn't be done lightly. Remember that branding guidelines are just that, guidelines, and it's possible site management already has approval from Corporate for the deviation from standard practice... and that if you've been an outspoken critic, you're likely to be suspect as the source of the complaint even if there's an "anonymous suggestion" system in place. And it shouldn't be done contentiously; phrase it as a question rather than an accusation. ("I don't quite understand how this squares with policy, and I'd like to so I can do my job better in the future. Who should I talk to for additional education in this area?") That raises the issue without coming across as a backstab.



        If you really think the decision is going to actively damage the trademark protection or otherwise cost the company a huge amount, and are willing to risk betting your job on either being right or being respected for the effort, that's one thing. (I might risk it in my company, for example, if this was an issue in my area of expertise and I thought megabucks were at risk; IBM has a pretty decent history in that regard.)



        If not, then pick your battles. Remember that if it is a problem, someone from Corporate and/or the legal department will eventually notice it and decide whether something has to be done about it... and the blame, if any, isn't going to land on you.



        (If this was a serious corporate ethics issue, I'd say take it up the chain and damn the torpedoes. But even then I'd phrase no more strongly than "this worries me, but I may be misinterpreting what I'm seeing.")






        share|improve this answer












        You've met the "due diligence" requirements by advising site management of your concern. You are not obligated to take it further.



        In some companies, it may be considered appropriate to take such questions up the chain, either directly or via whatever indirect mechanism the company provides. But it shouldn't be done lightly. Remember that branding guidelines are just that, guidelines, and it's possible site management already has approval from Corporate for the deviation from standard practice... and that if you've been an outspoken critic, you're likely to be suspect as the source of the complaint even if there's an "anonymous suggestion" system in place. And it shouldn't be done contentiously; phrase it as a question rather than an accusation. ("I don't quite understand how this squares with policy, and I'd like to so I can do my job better in the future. Who should I talk to for additional education in this area?") That raises the issue without coming across as a backstab.



        If you really think the decision is going to actively damage the trademark protection or otherwise cost the company a huge amount, and are willing to risk betting your job on either being right or being respected for the effort, that's one thing. (I might risk it in my company, for example, if this was an issue in my area of expertise and I thought megabucks were at risk; IBM has a pretty decent history in that regard.)



        If not, then pick your battles. Remember that if it is a problem, someone from Corporate and/or the legal department will eventually notice it and decide whether something has to be done about it... and the blame, if any, isn't going to land on you.



        (If this was a serious corporate ethics issue, I'd say take it up the chain and damn the torpedoes. But even then I'd phrase no more strongly than "this worries me, but I may be misinterpreting what I'm seeing.")







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Mar 21 '14 at 2:30









        keshlam

        41.5k1267144




        41.5k1267144




















            up vote
            0
            down vote













            No matter the topic, if it's not illegal or immoral, do whatever your bosses ask you to do. It is their job to make decisions and your job to carry them out. Keep records of any written communication where you reminded them of the conflict and their responses. Store them as long as you can. (Make sure this does not violate any company policy.) This might help you if their superiors question the situation and it comes back to you. After you've done this, let it go and don't let yourself be stressed out by it.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
              – CMW
              Mar 20 '14 at 23:27






            • 3




              @CMW Done, as requested.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 0:23






            • 1




              I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 12:44














            up vote
            0
            down vote













            No matter the topic, if it's not illegal or immoral, do whatever your bosses ask you to do. It is their job to make decisions and your job to carry them out. Keep records of any written communication where you reminded them of the conflict and their responses. Store them as long as you can. (Make sure this does not violate any company policy.) This might help you if their superiors question the situation and it comes back to you. After you've done this, let it go and don't let yourself be stressed out by it.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
              – CMW
              Mar 20 '14 at 23:27






            • 3




              @CMW Done, as requested.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 0:23






            • 1




              I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 12:44












            up vote
            0
            down vote










            up vote
            0
            down vote









            No matter the topic, if it's not illegal or immoral, do whatever your bosses ask you to do. It is their job to make decisions and your job to carry them out. Keep records of any written communication where you reminded them of the conflict and their responses. Store them as long as you can. (Make sure this does not violate any company policy.) This might help you if their superiors question the situation and it comes back to you. After you've done this, let it go and don't let yourself be stressed out by it.






            share|improve this answer














            No matter the topic, if it's not illegal or immoral, do whatever your bosses ask you to do. It is their job to make decisions and your job to carry them out. Keep records of any written communication where you reminded them of the conflict and their responses. Store them as long as you can. (Make sure this does not violate any company policy.) This might help you if their superiors question the situation and it comes back to you. After you've done this, let it go and don't let yourself be stressed out by it.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Mar 21 '14 at 7:44









            CMW

            5,78912849




            5,78912849










            answered Mar 20 '14 at 22:49









            TecBrat

            1256




            1256











            • Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
              – CMW
              Mar 20 '14 at 23:27






            • 3




              @CMW Done, as requested.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 0:23






            • 1




              I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 12:44
















            • Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
              – CMW
              Mar 20 '14 at 23:27






            • 3




              @CMW Done, as requested.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 0:23






            • 1




              I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
              – TecBrat
              Mar 21 '14 at 12:44















            Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
            – CMW
            Mar 20 '14 at 23:27




            Hi TecBrat, welcome to The Workplace. While your advice may be good, great How to Answers don't only explain what, but why. Would you mind expanding on why your approach is a good one and what caveats there might be?
            – CMW
            Mar 20 '14 at 23:27




            3




            3




            @CMW Done, as requested.
            – TecBrat
            Mar 21 '14 at 0:23




            @CMW Done, as requested.
            – TecBrat
            Mar 21 '14 at 0:23




            1




            1




            I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
            – TecBrat
            Mar 21 '14 at 12:44




            I like @maneatingkoala 's suggestion about a diary. It is much less likely to be a policy violation, but it might hold less weight than company emails.
            – TecBrat
            Mar 21 '14 at 12:44












             

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