You’ve accepted a new job. That’s the good news. The bad news is that now you have to inform your fellow company leaders, as well as your staff. How can you handle the challenge with tact? Below are some tips to help you:
Pick the right timing.
First consider the timing of your resignation. If you plan to give two weeks notice, make sure that coincides with your start date at your new employer. For instance, if your start date isn’t for six weeks, then wait a few weeks to give your notice. Why? To protect yourself. If your new employer pulls the offer in the 11th hour, you don’t want to be stuck without a job.
That being said, some companies will make the decision for you. For instance, in the banking industry, it’s not unheard of to have security escort an employee out who just resigned.
Communicate in person.
When you hand in your resignation letter, do it in person. Speak privately with your direct supervisor in his or her office and announce your intention. Discuss that you’ve enjoyed working for the company, but an opportunity you couldn’t pass up came along. Let your supervisor know the decision wasn’t easy and you came to it only after careful reflection. And if your decision is final – meaning you won’t consider a counteroffer – make your boss aware of that too. Although, they may ask you to stay on for a few months in a consultant-type position. That’s certainly worth entertaining.
As for your staff, gather them together and tell them in person, as well. Don’t do it one-on-one for the simple fact that people talk. And word may get out to people that you have yet to talk with. You want to be in control of the situation as much as possible. As for what to say, just be straightforward. Moving from job to job is normal in the business world. Your employees simply need to accept it.
Make it as easy on your team as possible.
Before you leave, make sure you:
- Set up time to name and train someone else to handle any high-priority situations or projects you were working on.
- Make sure your existing documentation, from contact sheets to instruction manuals, is updated.
- Go through your emails and make sure any pertinent ones are emailed to your replacement or back-up.
- Before you leave, visit each of your staff members one more time to make sure they have everything they need and to wrap up any loose ends.
- Don’t slack off during those last few days, even though it may be tempting. That’s not the final impression you want to leave on your staff or employer.
Are you looking for a new executive opportunity before you can resign? Call Pacific ExecSearch. We’ve been helping people achieve professional success for more than 25 years. As experts in the field of executive recruitment in Woodland, California, we can help you uncover opportunities no one else knows about and guide you toward achieving your career goals. Contact us today to learn more.