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Job promotion: The promotion will go to you or your friend. Who should get the promotion?

If two friends are up for the same job promotion (due to previous person retiring, no bidding) will they remain friends afterwards? Has anyone encountered this at work? Is it possible to work in a competitive environment with someone you consider a friend? Would you say the slightest negative thing about them to get the promotion?

Public Comments

1. I would just be glad you have a job, period.
2. I wouldn't say anything negative about my friend, but would probably say positive things about myself.
3. My boss had this same situation: she and a great friend were up for the same promotion. Turns out that my boss' friend backstabbed her and slandered her. The friend got the job, but everyone hated her for it. Eventually the friend quit and my boss got the promotion, but the friendship was completely destroyed. As long as you go at it with respect, there's no reason why the friendship should suffer.
4. If they were truly friends, they would support each other no matter who gets promoted.
5. I think that they will not remain friends after the promotion, because that will be the time they discovered on whose office political tactics is more effective than the other...the one will become domineering, the one will be inferior afterwards... as long as they are on same department, the competition will always be there... do you really believe that the promotion will be chosen between them? why not focus on yourself to get the promotion? in that way, the bet will not only be to them, and if the third party like yourself gets it, it will surely end the competition. don't you think they will just stay as friends if that happens? Good luck..
6. It is quite possible to work in the same environment with a friend who competed with you for a job. Remember though, you can only control your reaction to the final decision. Do what you can do to prove you are the right candidate for the job, but stop before demeaning your friend's performance. If something is lackluster in your friend's performance, then odds are the person making this decision may know already about your friend's weaknesses. They know yours too. If you get the job, make sure you continue your respect and friendship with this other individual. You are now in a position to help them advance within your company, just not to your new position at this time. They should be able to return this favor if they are determined to be the best candidate for the job. Do not let yourself become bitter if you aren't chosen. Ask for info about the decision to find out what you can do to improve your chances in the future. Then take this info to heart to make sure you are chosen the next time a great opportunity comes along. Keep your eyes and ears open for all opportunities in your field. Good luck in winning the promotion and preserving your friendship.
7. I think there should be no relationship between friendship and business or careers. Most of us should normally encounter this at work, and it must be working in a good organization. Promotion is not our privileges as subordinate to decide, we just have to work harder and smarter than the other.I will just think about what was wrong with me if the other get promotion, and how can I improve myself in the future. Think positively and the future will be yours.