Course of Action (What to do)

Thinking about leaving your job?

I’m excited for you! I am a firm believer that women, especially Black women, need to own the direction of their careers. You can’t expect that just because you're doing a great job people are going to recognize that and reward you accordingly. (Sorry, if you’re hearing this for the first time. I don’t like to be the bearer of bad news.)

If you’re not happy in your current position or you’ve just found a better opportunity for yourself, go get it!

When I worked in Corporate America, I made a pact with myself that every four years, I would either move up or out. If my employer wasn’t promoting me, I would go somewhere else that would take me to the next level. But can I say, I never just peaced out. No matter the situation, it was always important to me to leave a job with my reputation intact. We work hard to build our reputation and connections. Don’t burn them down with a sloppy departure.

People quit all the time, but how you quit can become a problem if you don’t do it properly.

I love what Forbes says about quitting: "Quitting is not a problem. People quit all the time, but how you quit can become a problem if you don’t do it properly." So how do you leave with your reputation intact? With a good exit strategy of course. Don’t have one yet? It is time to get it together, sis’! Let’s jump in. Here are my Dos and Don’ts for navigating the transition flawlessly.

?#1: Don’t tell a soul.

?Tell NO ONE you’re quitting before you tell your boss. Not even your office bae. They may find a way to benefit from your departure at your expense. Also, if your boss hears the news through the grapevine, you risk rocking the boat with them (i.e., a person who could vouch for you or talk a potential employer out of hiring you in the future).

?#2: Do prepare a diplomatic reason for leaving.

Your boss and colleagues are going to ask why you’re leaving. If it’s because of them or some other negative reason, keep it to yourself. Remember the goal here is to leave like the shining star that you are, not the complainer the job has turned you into. Prepare a diplomatic reason for leaving and stick to it. This LinkedIn course offers tips for keeping your story brief, positive, and side-stepping any questions that may try to poke holes in it. The HBR (Harvard Business Review) suggests framing your reasoning around what you want to do, such as trying a different role, industry, or environment instead of what you want to leave (in other words, THEM).

?#3: Do prepare a formal resignation letter AND a transition plan.

?If you work in an office, write a solid resignation letter, schedule a meeting with your boss, and hand it to them in person. If you work remotely, arrange a virtual meeting to give them the news, and then send your resignation by email right after. This letter often stays on file with the company; so again, keep it positive. What exactly should you write in the letter? Gary Burnison the CEO of Korn Ferry provides an example as shared on CNBC.

Want your resignation to come off as impressive? Preparing a transition plan is key. Here’s why … Forbes Career Expert Terina Allen says, “Creating this plan reflects your commitment to the position, to quality outcomes, and to your organization, and it greatly enhances the likelihood of a smooth and successful transition.”

Now that’s the kind of high performer thing you want your colleagues to remember you for. Oh, and this should go without saying : Don’t forget to DO what you promised you’d do in that transition plan!

?#4: Do give proper notice.

Two weeks notice is a common timeframe to let your employer know you're leaving, but the expectation can differ from company to company and your level of seniority. Check your employee handbook for your job’s standard, and also base your departure on the level of responsibilities you have. If there’s a big conference coming up at the end of the month, don’t leave the company in a lurch at this point. You’ll be smelling the timber of that bridge burning before the revolving door hits your backside! If you can give more notice, HBR says please do! Tell your boss as soon as you’ve decided to leave so they can plan accordingly. They’ll appreciate it.?

?#5: Do say goodbye.

Should you send a company-wide goodbye email? In some cases, it may be appropriate. In others, it may not. The best person to ask is your boss. Though, The HBR says if you want to really be remembered fondly and strengthen your rapport with colleagues, do individual goodbyes. I'm a fan of this, especially for colleagues who matter the most to you.

For colleagues who’ve helped you out and those that you want to stay in touch with, drop by their desks or write them a personalized email, thanking them for the unique ways they’ve supported you. Tell them where you’re going. Give them a way to stay in touch. If you can, go to lunch with them. This is your chance to leave them with positive feelings about you.

?#6: Don’t forget to collect those testimonials.

?Remember how I told you, you must take control of your career? This is part of it. Asking for testimonials. Do your clients love you? Have you poured your wisdom into a colleague or made a vendor’s life easier? While the positive experiences of working with you are fresh in their minds, ask them to write a testimonial on your LinkedIn page or ask if you could use them as a reference in the future.

In a nutshell, making a good last impression is as important as making a good first impression. Get your exit strategy in order and execute so that whenever your name is mentioned in the future, your former colleagues immediately remember you in a positive light.

Level Up with Grace?is a weekly newsletter designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on Confidence, Curiosity, Case Studies (Personal Profiles), Connection (Networking), or Course of Action (What to DO). Please subscribe and/or share!

Our whip-smart writing and research team includes?Lisa A. Alleyne,?Peppur Chambers, and?Anthony Tone Payton.

Graphics:?Shutterstock Stock Images illustrated by the fabulously talented?Natalia Hubbert.

Powerful Penny LLC?is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable.?Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!

[1] Hyperlink to Hired and Hating it – Dare to leave.