So in the last episode we focused on first having a conversation with your supervisor, particularly where you have a good relationship.
Today, we focus on practical steps even if you don’t. We’ll go into two key parts:
(1) Preparing for the exit personally
(2) Preparing at the workplace
(1) PREPARING INTERNALLY FOR THE LEAP
So let’s start with the personal: preparing for the leap. Leaving a job is always hard. One of my friends that recently left a CEO position of a company he started shared how he had to break his own personal mental barrier that he had to leave —and found himself becoming angry through the process, and he took some time bargaining with himself how it could work, spent a little time being depressed, and then finally moved into acceptance. (Yes, the 5 Stages of Grief can apply here!)
And this made me realize that one of the most important questions especially in any transition including and exit is, ‘Why is it important to do this? What will it do for you? What will it do for your family? What will it do for the world?’” Whether you’re venturing out on your own or to ‘greener pastures’ of another company, life and business is full of ups and downs. There will be failures. What helps you ride through them is how you answer the question. “Write it down. Don’t forget it.”
–> Whether you’re leaving with your next career plan lined up or not, it is absolutely critical to Get to Know Your Finances on a First-Name Basis
—> And this is something I believe everyone should do regardless- Make sure your resume, website and work portfolio are up to date, look professional and answer the questions, “What kind of work can you do?” “What are your greatest career hits?” and “How can you add value to my enterprise?”
Take the opportunity to also ask colleagues/clients/business partners you’ve worked with for recommendations where you can – that you can also place on your LinkedIn profile.
(2) PREPPING AT WORK
I mentioned tie things up with a bow in the last episode, what did I mean by that?
PROACTIVELY PLAN FOR THE NEXT IN LINE – FUTURE LEADERSHIP
Succession planning is so important – who can take on the baton when you leave so that your efforts thus far can be built upon? Where it makes sense, participate in interviews for your next in line, or review existing talent around you you can promote. How can you prep this person?
CLEAN UP AND ORGANIZE
So if your work is anything like mine – I have inflows and outflows of spreadsheets, emails, decks and so much more- and once you lose the discipline of keeping things together, that can seem like everything is everywhere. YUP you know exactly what I’m talking about
Prepare for the next person in line by keeping things neatly in a system, which folder goes where and what can they expect? How can they access them? This is the best time to provide access to others who may have not been directly responsible for the work but can help the next person coming in navigate.
Once you’ve organized all of the above, create a list, an email status update on all projects and working files. Your next in line will thank you – and that’s good work karma you want 🙂
LOOK FOR THE RIGHT TIME & PROVIDE YOUR NOTICE
Hand in that resignation letter – depending on your industry – you either have a 30 day-14 day – or 24 hours notice; keep it short, simple, set records straight on what you’ve done where necessary – but do it with a warm tone, and not a bitter one
THANKING AND APPRECIATING OTHERS, OFFERING GREAT FEEDBACK
Where possible, do your rounds – either in person, over a call, via email, have a story that explains your resignation that you can share with the rest of the company. And if appropriate, use this opportunity to commend others.
Hold onto that list of critiques for your exit interview. As far as everyone else is concerned, share what you appreciated about the current environment. Share what you’ll miss. Again, parting on a positive note will help you maintain a better, long-term relationship with the managers and coworkers you’re leaving behind.