You’ve just accepted a new position and you’re euphoric. You want to celebrate. But first, you need to resign. You’re dreading it because your manager is your mentor who’s coached you from the start and given you amazing opportunities.
The most effective way to resign is a little counter intuitive. You might think that you should go in as if your mind isn’t made up, listen to what your manager has to say, then ask his/her opinion. But that’s disingenuous if you’ve already made up your mind and accepted another offer of employment.
Follow these steps for a drama-free resignation.
1. Have a plan: how will you transition responsibilities? Who on the team is ready to step in and take advantage of a learning opportunity? You’re creating a problem by resigning, but you’re being a leader by having at least some solutions.
2. It may initially be more uncomfortable, but it’s more professional and easier in the end to go in with your mind made up. Be definitive in your decision but not confrontational, giving 2 weeks’ notice and a specific end date. If you appear to be on the fence, your current boss may feel like they should try to talk you into staying.
3. Offer the minimum required time (generally 2 weeks for junior to mid-level professionals, 3 weeks for mid to executive level). While it may seem hard to wrap up in that time frame, it’s always better to work hard for that time and leave your employer with that memory of you than to offer too much time. You’ll be mentally checked out and, to be honest, they’ll be tired of having you around.
4. You might hear things like “I’m shocked/disappointed,” “I really thought you liked it/were happy here,” "You can't desert the team/your friends," and the most common, “We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now." These are reactions prompted by a crisis situation (a great employee leaving).
5. Use phrases such as: “I’ve put a lot of thought into this decision, and I feel it is what is best for me and my family. I hope you’ll be supportive.” “I’ll work hard over the next 2 weeks to make sure that I leave you in the best possible position.” “My decision is final, and I hope you’ll wish me well.”
6. Keep things positive: focus on how right the opportunity is for you and your family, without saying what it has that the other company does not. Now is not the time to air your grievances against the company.
7. Don’t leave yourself open for a counteroffer. 9 out of 10 people who accept a counteroffer leave within 6 months. Why? Because their reasons for wanting to leave probably didn’t change; they stayed because of an emotional response. People think they are less likely to burn a bridge with their old company by accepting a counteroffer, but in the end, they are more likely to do so by leaving within 6 months after the employer bent over backwards to keep them.
8. You’re not obligated to discuss your new compensation; it isn’t relevant and it’s your private business.
9. You don’t need to go into detail about where you’re going and what you’re doing. Less is more.
Always aim to leave on a high note. Finish any projects or commitments in the time allotted to maintain the best relationship possible with your soon-to-be former company. The professional world is smaller than you think, and you never know who you’ll encounter or work with again in the future.
The most effective way to resign is a little counter intuitive. You might think that you should go in as if your mind isn’t made up, listen to what your manager has to say, then ask his/her opinion. But that’s disingenuous if you’ve already made up your mind and accepted another offer of employment.
Follow these steps for a drama-free resignation.
1. Have a plan: how will you transition responsibilities? Who on the team is ready to step in and take advantage of a learning opportunity? You’re creating a problem by resigning, but you’re being a leader by having at least some solutions.
2. It may initially be more uncomfortable, but it’s more professional and easier in the end to go in with your mind made up. Be definitive in your decision but not confrontational, giving 2 weeks’ notice and a specific end date. If you appear to be on the fence, your current boss may feel like they should try to talk you into staying.
3. Offer the minimum required time (generally 2 weeks for junior to mid-level professionals, 3 weeks for mid to executive level). While it may seem hard to wrap up in that time frame, it’s always better to work hard for that time and leave your employer with that memory of you than to offer too much time. You’ll be mentally checked out and, to be honest, they’ll be tired of having you around.
4. You might hear things like “I’m shocked/disappointed,” “I really thought you liked it/were happy here,” "You can't desert the team/your friends," and the most common, “We were just about to give you a promotion/raise, and it was confidential until now." These are reactions prompted by a crisis situation (a great employee leaving).
5. Use phrases such as: “I’ve put a lot of thought into this decision, and I feel it is what is best for me and my family. I hope you’ll be supportive.” “I’ll work hard over the next 2 weeks to make sure that I leave you in the best possible position.” “My decision is final, and I hope you’ll wish me well.”
6. Keep things positive: focus on how right the opportunity is for you and your family, without saying what it has that the other company does not. Now is not the time to air your grievances against the company.
7. Don’t leave yourself open for a counteroffer. 9 out of 10 people who accept a counteroffer leave within 6 months. Why? Because their reasons for wanting to leave probably didn’t change; they stayed because of an emotional response. People think they are less likely to burn a bridge with their old company by accepting a counteroffer, but in the end, they are more likely to do so by leaving within 6 months after the employer bent over backwards to keep them.
8. You’re not obligated to discuss your new compensation; it isn’t relevant and it’s your private business.
9. You don’t need to go into detail about where you’re going and what you’re doing. Less is more.
Always aim to leave on a high note. Finish any projects or commitments in the time allotted to maintain the best relationship possible with your soon-to-be former company. The professional world is smaller than you think, and you never know who you’ll encounter or work with again in the future.
More by the Andrews & Cole Team
About Nicole DelToro: Nicole has been helping organizations (big and small) hire and retain top talent for over 25 years, while helping individuals realize their personal and professional goals by ensuring they’re working in the environment that’s ideal for their current situation. Contact her at: [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
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