2. Agenda
Preparing for resignationp g g
When to do it
How to do itHow to do it
The resignation letter
E l i ti l ttExample resignation letter
The resignation meeting
The art of deflection
Managing employer tactics
3. Preparing for resignation
E t i d ti d ilt d f li f di l lt th Expect mixed emotions – sadness, guilt and feelings of disloyalty, these
are all perfectly normal.
Remember the excitement about your
new position – new people, new
opportunities, new challenges – keeppp , g p
that in mind as you go through the
process.
Prepare yourself and you will not be
taken off guard.
4. When to do it
Late afternoon on a Monday or Tuesday
is recommended as the best time.
It is helpful to choose a “business-as-p
usual” busy time that best avoids
uncomfortable or awkward situations.
5. How to do it
Here’s why you should always resign in writing ….
…not verbally.
Because you mean it and it’s not an invitation to “chat” which
can become stressful and lead to well meaning, unintentional
b t lbut unwelcome pressure.
Pushing that white envelope across the table with carefullyg p y
worded sentences sets the right professional tone for a
smooth transition out.
6. The resignation letter
Your letter should:
Be positive
Demonstrate cooperation
Be sincere
Not detail reasons for leaving
Focus on transitioning out
Allow you to feel good about your decision
Not indicate detail on salary, reason for leaving or new
employer
S t th t t di k d b i t Set the tone to discourage awkward, embarrassing counter
offer tactics
7. Example resignation letter
Dear …
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation and x month’s notice
with my final day being xxx. I am grateful for the success we have
been able to achieve together at [company name], but I have now
made a firm commitment to joining another organisation.
Please note that I intend to work with you to complete any outstanding
work during my notice period in order to make my resignation as
smooth as possiblesmooth as possible.
I am eager to leave on a positive note and look forward to discussing
with you how to accomplish this transitionwith you how to accomplish this transition.
8. The resignation meeting
What are you going to say?at a e you go g to say
Role play the scenario with your consultant / spouse / partner
Be direct and to the point
Focus on transitioning out arrangementsg g
Give answers that avoid historical discussion
9. The resignation meeting - example
John I’ve committed myself to joining anotherJohn, I’ve committed myself to joining another
organisation and would like to commence at
th li t t it H i l tt fthe earliest opportunity. Here is my letter of
resignation, and I would like to discuss how we
can work together to make a smooth and swift
transition.
10. The art of deflection
Any current employer will naturally want to seek informationy cu e t e p oye atu a y a t to see o at o
Avoid detailed information disclosure
Keep all bridges positively intact
Role play deflecting answersp y g
Answer in a way that demonstrates the decision is already
made and the commitment will be followed throughmade and the commitment will be followed through
Always return the conversation to the “decision made”
If pressed – why are opinions so important ?
11. The art of deflection - examples
I appreciate its natural to be curious about where and why I am going
but I really would rather focus on transitioning to the new position at
hithis stage.
OR
I don’t think there is any point in going over historical ground or “what
ifs”, I think it’s enough for me to say at present that it’s just an
opportunity I can’t refuse for a number of good reasons. Really, let’s
just leave it there, I want to transition out on a very positive note.
12. Managing employer tactics
Be mentally prepared - forewarned is forearmed Be mentally prepared forewarned is forearmed
Love-ins and everyone dropping by
Re-hashed organisation charts - “we were about to tell you..”
New position - “how about it?”
Old mentors “you can’t possibly leave!”
Emotional pull “do this one thing for me personally” Emotional pull - do this one thing for me personally
Counter offers - cold hard cash is usually next year’s pay rise
13. Finally
Ensure you are prepared emotionallyy p p y
Ensure you have verbalised what you are going to say
Be comfortable with deflection answers
Keep to the decision made and focus on transition
Let your Consultant know when you are doing it so they can
make themselves available to support and reassure you afterpp y
More help and support can be found at
www i resign com/uk/resigning/how to resign aspwww.i-resign.com/uk/resigning/how-to-resign.asp
