View #1: Employee's Point of View
It is time to go. You
have reached the point that change must be made. The job doesn’t suit you anymore and you
don’t suit the job. Maybe it was the
environment. Maybe it was the work. Maybe it was you. For whatever reason, change is imminent and
you have to decide how you are going to handle it.
Decide? Yes, it is a
conscience decision. It is your choice
whether you leave a positive legacy or not. Remember, you have two important points to
consider – the moral and the tactical aspects.
If you follow your morals, you
will leave knowing you did your best and held yourself to the highest standards. In thinking tactically, you must consider the need for references, future contacts and
even the potential need to return to the job. Both aspects must be integrated into your exit strategy.
The first step in leaving a job is the understanding that you are leaving work you may or may not
like, but you know it. You leave your
daily patterns and comfort zone. You
leave your…“friends.”
So, where do you begin?
Well, obviously the first step is to inform your direct supervisor. Not your co-workers. Not your “friends.” Your supervisor. Like them or not, they deserve to know
first. It is generally best to write a
letter of resignation. Depending on the
situation, it may not be an easy letter to write but in any situation be
cordial, hold your opinions to yourself and wish the company future
success. The way you handle this first
step sets the tone for your departure and your future relationship with the
company.
Future relationship?
What future relationship could there be when you just turned in your
resignation?!
The nature of the relationship may change but, tactically, the
connection is always there.
First and foremost, the most obvious is the need of a
reference and you certainly want your last impressions to be positive ones. Next is the likelihood you would encounter
past employers and coworkers in your local community. It happens all the time. You may be in a social or community setting or
you may be in a business setting – a sales call, a vendor visit or even a
future interview. How comfortable would
that be if you don’t successfully manage your exit strategy?
In exiting with grace, and yes, sometimes more grace than
the employer deserves, you set the standard for those around you. Clearly, you demonstrate higher morals and
people do take notice. It might be
within your own family or with other members of your team. The world is small and you never know who you
will encounter at your next sales call, job interview or child’s event.
However, your exit strategy doesn’t end there. How do you handle your “job after-life?” Do you fall into the negative undercurrent of
others who have left? Be careful, it
does exist. People you rarely spoke to
or interacted with will suddenly be your best post-job friends. The conversations will inevitably turn to the
latest gossip from your past employer and the negative excitement of hoping they will fail.
Consider this; is that really how you want to
focus your future?
Also consider how
this could morally or tactically effect your relationship with your past
employer. Rumors usually make their way
back to past employers and if you think they don’t know you are part of the
undercurrent, you are wrong.
Why should you care? If you just spent your energy exiting with grace why would you ruin it by joining
the undercurrent. Let go. Move on.
Focus on the positivity of your future rather than the negativity of the
past. It isn’t easy but it is the right
thing to do and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. RD Advisory Group isn’t here just for businesses
– we are here to help you too. There are
always multiple views to the same situation and we can work with you to achieve
the best outcome for your future and ultimately your success.
Now speaking of other views…this is actually the first in a
short series. View #1 is from the
employee, next up will be the view of the same situation from the past
employer. Stay tuned and as always, stay
positive!
Thank you for joining
me on this journey. Comments and questions are welcome. Please go to my webpage, www.rdadvisorygroup.com for more information on an assessment of
your current business functions. If you would like to read my previous blogging
efforts, please go to: www.managingbusinessacument@blogspot.com.
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