I strongly disagree with the “in real life” part of this. In real life, if something like this were to happen, everyone better get their asses back in gear, or it will become incredibly easy to figure out who the first to get laid off are going to be.
First, as I remember, he promised to keep it confidential. Second, there’s no point in sharing the news until it’s definite. It will only make people nervous and in the meantime the situation might change.
As for Pam, I’m assuming that he’ll tell her once they’re in the car or, at worst, once they get home.
Nope, just watched it again. David said “If I can be candid with you…” but he didn’t ask Jim not to tell anyone else, and Jim didn’t volunteer to keep it confidential. Then he walked out of his office, everyone was waiting for him & Angela asked “What’s the news?” and he replied “Nothing yet.”, then slid into the murder mystery. Now I agree, that’s the kind of news that a co-manager probably should keep confidential, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Scranton employees hold it against him when they find out what he was told.
I liked this as an example of Michael’s excellent people skills. He knows exactly what each of them wants and will stay for.