Don't Quit Leading Because You're Quitting

Don't Quit Leading Because You're Quitting

To move closer to your dream, realize that quitting is more about who you are than where you are. ~ John C. Maxwell

So, you've done it! You've turned in your notice. You're free to do as you please, coast out the door, and say what you've been wanting to say as you watch the days wind down, right? Wrong!

If you've been leading yourself well up to this point, you know the value that these last few days or weeks can bring. You understand the power of influence and plan to leverage this opportunity to the fullest extent possible for yourself and those you're leaving behind.

You can whine or you can shine! Me? I like to shine!!

This is your time to truly shine, whether you're leaving because you've had enough of a bad situation and you're miserable or because you simply want more for yourself, you're happy, and you're taking charge of your future. No matter the reason you're leaving, you still have the responsibility to lead yourself well on the way out. Instead of burning bridges, if you know how to lead well, you can actually build bridges on your way out.

In my past life when I had a real J-O-B, before I traded in my 2-day weekend for a 7-day weekend and followed my passion to find my purpose doing what I love 24/7/365, I had to turn in a few notices to get from where I was to where I wanted to be.

Integrity has always been a virtue for me. Over the years, I watched and observed how other people quit their jobs, whether they were moving on to another one in the company or leaving the company altogether. I thought many of them exhibited poor character in a number of ways. I decided early on that I would be different. I would be noticed for "How I left a job."

I'll share with you some of the principles I always leveraged on my way out that allowed me to create as many positives in what is traditionally a negative situation. It worked every time. Why? Because my behavior and my actions were always based on solid principles of leadership (influence) with good intentions at the core.

The spotlight begins to shine on you once you turn in your notice. If you're going to be on stage, in the spotlight, why not give your audience your best performance? You can leave to a standing ovation or a bunch of booing and heckling. It's your choice.

Self-mastery is the hardest job you will ever tackle. If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. You may see at the same time both your best friend and your worst enemy, by simply stepping in front of the mirror. ~ Napoleon Hill

7 Things to Consider as You Lead Out Instead of Simply Walking Out

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do. ~ Benjamin Franklin

1. Be sure your intent is to help, not blame. When you help others, you build trust and your influence increases. When you blame others, you create distrust and your influence decreases. Treat everyone as they will be making a decision to hire you in the future based entirely on your performance after you've turned in your notice. Everyone, not just those with leadership positions. Everyone. Help as many people as you can. Don't blame a single person for a single thing. It doesn't matter. You're leaving. They have no control or influence over you any longer. You are free to be you. The question is: "Who will you be?"
2. Be intentional about what you say and how you say it. Everything you say and do will be magnified because people always are watching you on purpose to see "how" you leave. Take the high road no matter what others want you to say or do. This is your future you're shaping, not someone else's. Do not let the agenda of others cloud your vision. Many will want you to say or do things that may be in their best interest but not your own. Be proactive and respond to all situations based on the values that will leave a positive impression.
3. Go above and beyond to clear your workload. I've seen to many people quit but wait two weeks before making it official. Do not be this person. What type of character are they displaying? This is what people expect those that are leaving to do. Don't be average, be exceptional. Model a new standard for them. Show them who you are on the inside by putting it on display on the outside. You want them to say positive things about you. I often worked a lot of overtime after turning in my notice to ensure that I didn't leave my peers or my replacement in a bad situation.
4. Proactively share important knowledge. It was ironic, but I often did things for others on my way out that I hadn't done for myself. Often, I would compile specific data in a useful manner, so it could be easily shared and understood by the next person. I also made it a point to document things I had learned along the way that only I knew about the job and associated responsibilities to shorten the learning curve for those that would follow behind me. They were always grateful. I would also often offer to conduct a synergy session where others could ask me questions related to the responsibilities that they would have to take on in my absence.
5. Express gratitude to all of those that have helped you. I always made sure that I thanked all of those that had helped me learn and grow, especially those that had given me opportunities to advance within the organization. Seek out those individuals that have contributed to your success. Let them know they made a difference and you appreciate it. Consider inviting several of the key individuals to lunch before you leave.
6. Be positive. Regardless of why you are leaving, be positive. A positive attitude reveals your true character, especially if you are leaving under less desirable circumstances. Everyone is watching. You may potentially be working with some of the same people again in the future. Some of them may actually have a chance to hire you or refer you in the future. People may not always remember what you said or what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
7. Help those you are leaving behind. There are many ways to do this, some have already been mentioned. What I'm referring to here is the exit interview. If you're not offered one, ask for one. This is your chance to be positive and communicate in three key areas to help those you're leaving behind. 1) Let the leaders know what they need to keep doing. These are great things! 2) Let the leaders know what they need to stop doing. These are not so great things. 3) Let the leaders know what they need to start doing. These are things that will provide potential growth. If you can't be positive with a clear intent to help, don't say anything. You will not be listened to or appreciated if you go in with a poor attitude and an intent to blame. DO NOT BE REACTIVE! You will never build trust and increase your influence by being negative and blaming others. Never!

If you are leaving because you are frustrated, remember, you have already addressed the issue. You have been proactive by choosing to remove yourself from the organization. You can approach or be approached by those that are the source of your frustration with a heart at peace.

There is no future in any job. The future lies in the person who holds the job. ~ George Crane

Leaving with a heart at peace and with the intent to help is the most powerful way to leave a lasting and positive impression. You understand that you are in complete control. It's easy to be at peace with yourself and those around you when you truly know this. It puts you in a position of power where you can lead with a positive stance and positive influence.

Always be what you want to see in others.

FREE downloads available:

Click here to access Chapter 11 “Get Out of the Way and Lead” from my book, Defining Influence.

Click here to access the first 5 chapters of “Blue-Collar Leadership: Leading from the Front Lines.”

Note: I encourage you to be a river, not a reservoir. Please share my blogs with others if you find value in them. I believe in abundance and write them to help others become more effective, successful, and significant.

Make an impact!

Mack Story

My passion is to help you live with abundance, achieve success, choose significance, and leave a legacy. In other words, I want to help you make a High Impact !

Popular posts by Mack:

• The #1 Reason People Don't Reach Their True Potential
• The One Reason Lean Fails or Succeeds
• When Weak Leaders Choose to Follow Strong Followers
• 5 Levels of High Impact Delegation
• 7 Signs It’s Time to Fire Your Boss
• Hate Mondays? Stop Goofing Off on Saturdays!
• 7 Ways High Impact Leaders Use Conflict

Mack’s story is an amazing journey of personal and professional growth. He began his career in manufacturing on the front lines of a machine shop. He grew himself into upper management and found his niche in lean manufacturing and along with it, developed his passion for leadership. He understands that everything rises and falls on leadership.

Mack is the author of Blue-Collar Leadership Series, Defining Influence, & 10 Values of High Impact Leaders. He's an inspiration for people everywhere as an example of achievement, growth, and personal development. His passion inspires people all over the world! Order signed copies here.

Mack’s experience as a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker includes an international training event in Guatemala with John as part of the Cultural Transformation in Guatemala where more than 20,000 Guatemalan leaders were trained.

Contact Mack at 334-728-4143 or [email protected] for Keynote Speaking, Corporate Training, Professional Leadership Development, Cultural Enhancement/Transformation, and Process Improvement.