Rules for a Successful Goodbye at Work
24 July 2011
Read by 1668 persons
You're resigning?
The world is small; your image will follow you everywhere you go. To secure your future, make your departure a good one.
Today, it's hard to imagine spending your whole career in one company. Nevertheless, deciding to leave isn't a trivial decision. And, once you've made it, you shouldn't disappear like a thief. Before leaving her position as a client director at a Parisian design agency, Elise admits to having hesitated for weeks: "I dreaded the moment I would tell my boss I was resigning: a colleague had already left, and another was on maternity leave. So, by constantly delaying, I left in a hurry, and my superior was upset."
Applying a scorched-earth policy is a mistake, because you never know what the future holds. One day or another, we may all need a recommendation from our former boss. It's also frequent to encounter former colleagues or clients who have become service providers. Announcing your departure properly, managing the transition period well, succeeding at the farewell party... to orchestrate your exit well, you shouldn't neglect any of these steps.
Use different timing with your boss and your teams
It's unthinkable that your boss learns of your decision through the grapevine. Therefore, avoid confiding in your colleagues, even those you are close to. Such confidences are the ones that spread the fastest...
So your direct superior doesn't feel betrayed, give them priority. "My boss was on vacation, so I made the mistake of announcing my departure to my N+2," says Jade, a training manager in a large restaurant group. "When my N+1 returned, she took it very badly and didn't make things easy for me during my notice period." Out of consideration for your superior, arrange a real one-on-one meeting, behind closed doors, to ensure you won't be disturbed.
With your teams, however, the timeline is different. Once you've announced your departure, your authority and influence will considerably decrease, and this will happen in the following hours. It's better to wait until the last moment, just a few days before your departure. Except, of course, if it's a small team, composed of trustworthy people with whom you've had a close relationship for a long time. In this case, if the situation allows it, it's advisable to inform the people concerned several weeks in advance.
Reassure your superior about the reasons for your decision
For a manager, a resignation is always bad news. They will have to recruit someone else, train them... and may also feel questioned in their management. However, a hurt boss is a boss who can become dangerous. Be diplomatic and considerate. If you have had disagreements, know that it's not the time for settling scores. Instead, highlight the positive aspects of your years working with them, the experience you have gained in the position. Describe the missions that gave you the most satisfaction...
Explain that this is not an action directed against them, but a step in your professional life, an opportunity you couldn't refuse (you're going to manage a larger team, work more abroad...), and that your choice is well-considered. This last point is a way of tactfully indicating that you are not trying to trigger a bidding war or last-minute bargaining.
How to react if your superior questions you about your future employer?
At this stage, especially if you're leaving for a competitor, you should refuse to give names. Simply reply: "For internal management reasons, my appointment must remain secret until my arrival." However, if they ask about your future salary – and it's higher than your current salary – don't hesitate to tell them: making your employer aware that their salary policy is inadequate is a service you render to your colleagues. But be careful: don't let them believe that this is the sole reason for your resignation.
Stay engaged to leave the memory of a rigorous manager
Even if you feel you already have one foot out the door, focus on your work until the last day. A reputation takes a long time to build and is quickly tarnished. Even after years of loyal service, you risk leaving the image of someone unrigorous. This is certainly not the time to start a major reorganization, but continue to conscientiously handle current affairs. Also ask your boss what they expect from you. Should you continue to attend strategic meetings? What's the procedure with your clients and suppliers? When would they prefer you to announce your departure? And in what way? But keep some leeway. You'll need to maintain ties with some of your contacts: take the time to see them one-on-one and offer to stay in touch.
Take care of the handover; you have everything to gain
Although the labor code doesn't specify a precise duration for the notice period, most collective agreements set it at three months for managers. Do you want to shorten it? This is negotiable, provided you take the necessary steps not to disrupt the smooth running of the service. One way to leave faster is to find your successor yourself.
If they join the company before you leave, take the opportunity to score points by carefully managing the handover. Explain what is expected of them, how the days are organized, what the service's objectives are, the priority files, the first decisions to be made... And if they wish, do the rounds of the main clients with them. But above all, avoid imposing your way of working on them: it's up to them to take the reins.
Will your successor only arrive after your departure? That's no reason to shirk your responsibilities. Leave them clear notes on the procedures to follow, the people to contact in case of problems, and a complete brief on each file.
Find the right words for your farewell speech
The day is approaching? Send an email to the entire company. Avoiding grandiloquence, reflect on the past years, on what they have brought you... A few sincere lines will suffice. And send a slightly more personalized message to your boss and close colleagues.
Even if the idea of having a leaving party bores you, it's essential to respect this custom. In principle, you should invite all your colleagues. If relations have been strained with some, try to let go of resentment. And if, definitely, the prospect of seeing allies and former enemies reunited makes you too uncomfortable, opt for a small gathering, outside. "I was on bad terms with some colleagues, and it seemed hypocritical to invite them," says Marc, an HR consultant. "So I said goodbye to those I appreciated in a bar, next to the office." For the speech, keep it brief and simple. But don't forget to include a word of thanks to the team. And leave your contact details, specifying that you remain available if needed. This will perfect your image.
Gaëlle Renouvel
Published July 18, 2011.
Posted online July 24, 2011.
Capital.fr
The world is small; your image will follow you everywhere you go. To secure your future, make your departure a good one.
Today, it's hard to imagine spending your whole career in one company. Nevertheless, deciding to leave isn't a trivial decision. And, once you've made it, you shouldn't disappear like a thief. Before leaving her position as a client director at a Parisian design agency, Elise admits to having hesitated for weeks: "I dreaded the moment I would tell my boss I was resigning: a colleague had already left, and another was on maternity leave. So, by constantly delaying, I left in a hurry, and my superior was upset."
Applying a scorched-earth policy is a mistake, because you never know what the future holds. One day or another, we may all need a recommendation from our former boss. It's also frequent to encounter former colleagues or clients who have become service providers. Announcing your departure properly, managing the transition period well, succeeding at the farewell party... to orchestrate your exit well, you shouldn't neglect any of these steps.
Use different timing with your boss and your teams
It's unthinkable that your boss learns of your decision through the grapevine. Therefore, avoid confiding in your colleagues, even those you are close to. Such confidences are the ones that spread the fastest...
So your direct superior doesn't feel betrayed, give them priority. "My boss was on vacation, so I made the mistake of announcing my departure to my N+2," says Jade, a training manager in a large restaurant group. "When my N+1 returned, she took it very badly and didn't make things easy for me during my notice period." Out of consideration for your superior, arrange a real one-on-one meeting, behind closed doors, to ensure you won't be disturbed.
With your teams, however, the timeline is different. Once you've announced your departure, your authority and influence will considerably decrease, and this will happen in the following hours. It's better to wait until the last moment, just a few days before your departure. Except, of course, if it's a small team, composed of trustworthy people with whom you've had a close relationship for a long time. In this case, if the situation allows it, it's advisable to inform the people concerned several weeks in advance.
Reassure your superior about the reasons for your decision
For a manager, a resignation is always bad news. They will have to recruit someone else, train them... and may also feel questioned in their management. However, a hurt boss is a boss who can become dangerous. Be diplomatic and considerate. If you have had disagreements, know that it's not the time for settling scores. Instead, highlight the positive aspects of your years working with them, the experience you have gained in the position. Describe the missions that gave you the most satisfaction...
Explain that this is not an action directed against them, but a step in your professional life, an opportunity you couldn't refuse (you're going to manage a larger team, work more abroad...), and that your choice is well-considered. This last point is a way of tactfully indicating that you are not trying to trigger a bidding war or last-minute bargaining.
How to react if your superior questions you about your future employer?
At this stage, especially if you're leaving for a competitor, you should refuse to give names. Simply reply: "For internal management reasons, my appointment must remain secret until my arrival." However, if they ask about your future salary – and it's higher than your current salary – don't hesitate to tell them: making your employer aware that their salary policy is inadequate is a service you render to your colleagues. But be careful: don't let them believe that this is the sole reason for your resignation.
Stay engaged to leave the memory of a rigorous manager
Even if you feel you already have one foot out the door, focus on your work until the last day. A reputation takes a long time to build and is quickly tarnished. Even after years of loyal service, you risk leaving the image of someone unrigorous. This is certainly not the time to start a major reorganization, but continue to conscientiously handle current affairs. Also ask your boss what they expect from you. Should you continue to attend strategic meetings? What's the procedure with your clients and suppliers? When would they prefer you to announce your departure? And in what way? But keep some leeway. You'll need to maintain ties with some of your contacts: take the time to see them one-on-one and offer to stay in touch.
Take care of the handover; you have everything to gain
Although the labor code doesn't specify a precise duration for the notice period, most collective agreements set it at three months for managers. Do you want to shorten it? This is negotiable, provided you take the necessary steps not to disrupt the smooth running of the service. One way to leave faster is to find your successor yourself.
If they join the company before you leave, take the opportunity to score points by carefully managing the handover. Explain what is expected of them, how the days are organized, what the service's objectives are, the priority files, the first decisions to be made... And if they wish, do the rounds of the main clients with them. But above all, avoid imposing your way of working on them: it's up to them to take the reins.
Will your successor only arrive after your departure? That's no reason to shirk your responsibilities. Leave them clear notes on the procedures to follow, the people to contact in case of problems, and a complete brief on each file.
Find the right words for your farewell speech
The day is approaching? Send an email to the entire company. Avoiding grandiloquence, reflect on the past years, on what they have brought you... A few sincere lines will suffice. And send a slightly more personalized message to your boss and close colleagues.
Even if the idea of having a leaving party bores you, it's essential to respect this custom. In principle, you should invite all your colleagues. If relations have been strained with some, try to let go of resentment. And if, definitely, the prospect of seeing allies and former enemies reunited makes you too uncomfortable, opt for a small gathering, outside. "I was on bad terms with some colleagues, and it seemed hypocritical to invite them," says Marc, an HR consultant. "So I said goodbye to those I appreciated in a bar, next to the office." For the speech, keep it brief and simple. But don't forget to include a word of thanks to the team. And leave your contact details, specifying that you remain available if needed. This will perfect your image.
Gaëlle Renouvel
Published July 18, 2011.
Posted online July 24, 2011.
Capital.fr
