The resignation, now there’s a scenario in professional life that many people struggle with.
Satisfying the demands of your existing role while juggling covert conversations with recruiters, interviewing, negotiating – it’s like leading a double-life before you finally arrive at the operation’s inevitable climax: breaking the news to your employer.
Anticipating how your employer will react often occupies a lot of consideration. There’s a mountain of work on, they’re already short staffed, perhaps you were recently promoted – numerous factors can turn your anticipation into nervousness.
This is only natural. The uncertainty that surrounds an impending shift in a relationship’s dynamics can be difficult to deal with, particularly when you’re the catalyst for it.
So what are the chief things to remember when handing in your notice?
Having been on both sides of the resignation equation, I believe there are few fundamentals to helping you achieve a smooth exit:
The break up
Pick your moment wisely. If your boss is in a mad rush, on a deadline, or generally having a bad day, perhaps it’d be best to inform them tomorrow.
Does your boss typically arrive at work early? Do they work late? Do you have a regular one-on-one meeting scheduled with them? By now you should have a decent read on when they’re at their best or least distracted.
And as much as it might tempt you, avoid bombarding your boss with a list of frustrations about your current role that propelled you to find something new. Frame your reasoning around the pull factors rather than the push factors. For example, the new job might be in an industry that you’ve always wanted to work in, or it might offer greater responsibility and potential for professional growth. Keep your reasons positive and about the opportunity (of course, if it’s unethical standards that have caused you to seek employment elsewhere, then state it).
Resist labouring your point as this can lead to mixed messages. To avoid delivering a longwinded and potentially confused logic, select two or three primary pull factors that led to your decision. That’s really all you need.
An effective conclusion is to emphasise that you’re committed to your role until the day you walk out the door, and that in due course it would be helpful to gain a clear understanding of your priorities during the notice period.
Avoid overestimating the impact of your departure
This might sound a little jarring, but remember everyone is replaceable. Sure, if you’ve been a valued and dedicated performer, your employer will be disappointed to see you go, but the ship isn’t going to suddenly sink without you on deck.
It’s particularly important to remember this if you’re feeling somewhat guilty or awkward about moving on. It’s very likely you’re employer has successfully managed this type of temporary inconvenience on multiple occasions before.
Rather than dwelling on the hole you’re going to leave, channel your energy into effectively handing over your duties to the relevant team member or your replacement so they’re best positioned to pick-up where you left off. Another effective way to leave on positive terms is to offer for them to call you should they have any questions after you’ve moved on.
Play the long game
Maintaining long-standing, positive relationships is an essential focus when you’re leaving. As eager as you might be to go, keep in mind that there is always a possibility that you‘ll be working with the organisation or some of your current colleagues in the future. Letting your standards, motivation or behaviour slip during your notice period can undo years of hard work and dedication, tarnishing your reputation for the long run.
Remember, former employers and colleagues play a significant role in shaping your professional reputation. If you harbour negative feelings, take the high road and avoid burning bridges – you’ll thank yourself for this down the track.
Facing an unfavourable reaction
If you’ve been an effective and dedicated employee up until this point, you’ve earned the right to hand in your notice on positive terms. Remember this if your employer doesn’t take the news well.
Negative reactions are often fuelled by their disappointment to see you go. Even though it won’t feel like it at the time, it’s a kind of indirect compliment. It may take them some time to digest the news, which may or may not result in a more favourable attitude. Either way, your actions will speak louder than words in this instance.
Again, focus on completing your final tasks to the highest possible standard and ensure you provide a thorough handover to the relevant person. If after all of this your boss continues to give you a hard time, that’s when it becomes their problem, not yours. There’s only so much you can do to make it a smooth transition.
KINGSMITH.
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