How to manage your reputation, when you finally resign.

This happens every second of every day, and you are not the first person to resign and you will surely not be the last – this is within any organisation. Following are what I see as strong considerations and strategies for you to exit the Company with total professionalism.

TELL YOUR MANAGER FIRST - The last thing they will want to hear from the workplace grapevine, corridor rumours or your colleagues and team is, you are resigning - and you have not met with them yet. If possible, have this meeting in person or at the very least virtual, it’s the most respectful way to exit the Company. Do not send an email or by phone or voice mail (yes it does happen).

SUBMIT A WRITTEN RESIGNATION - Your resignation should be in writing as it makes your notice of leaving official. Ensure your letter contains the relevant dates and notice period as per Company policy. Keep the content business and not personal, except if you want to reference any appreciation during your time in the organisation.

ENSURE A POSITIVE TRANSITION PLAN - One of the first concerns by your manager will be, what will I have to do next? Having your Transition Plan ready will be key. Capture clear action steps of projects, assignments and handovers you will be involved within your remaining time. This will be a test of your professionalism and how you will be remembered, especially when future reference checks are made. 

ACCEPT BEING SIDE-LINED - Do not be surprised post your resignation if you are removed from project teams or leading them, placed on Garden Leave or told your notice will be paid out and to leave earlier. This happens and it’s the Company’s prerogative to do so. As hard as it can be, do not take these actions personally, they need to make plans and move forward as well.

AT ALL TIMES BE HUMBLE - Strongly resist the opportunity to celebrate your new career future with too much enthusiasm, in front of team members, colleagues and your Manager; you will only estrange your soon to be former business relationships. Success is great to obtain and have, though be mindful of not rubbing peoples nose in it.

THANK THOSE AROUND YOU - Take time to thank those who have played a key role supporting you and giving you the opportunities to shine. Generosity and modesty are quality attributes which people remember. Even if you are resigning because of Management, your job or the Company, there is no real gain in badmouthing. People have long memories and you never know when inquiries about your performance will be made by future employers.

WHAT WILL BE YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION - Maintaining your productivity, commitment and motivation will only show you are a responsible, accountable professional and someone of high character. This will leave a strong lasting impression on your team and the organisations leadership. If you are leaving a great legacy, don't let your attitude in those closing weeks over shadow all the great work you have done to date.

A note with Exit Interviews: If you do not want to complete prior to starting your new role, request that you can do so post commencement of your new Company. Do not reject the opportunity outright to completing an Exit Interview, if you genuinely believe you can contribute to the future success of the organisation you have just left.

In summary, when you do resign, always factor in as much as you can within your plan and how you will manage the above, as part of your exiting. Challenges, tensions and unexpected changes will surface, however, be resilient, keep moving forward, stay with your plan and leave with your head and reputation held high…

About Mark Lindley:

Accomplished Human Resources Leader with extensive regional and international experience; progressive and innovative - a true developer of People & Culture. Having led organisational transformations and HR blueprint implementation, within high impact environments, delivering results with great velocity. 

Operating within complex matrix and diverse cultural structures across Australia, Asia, Middle East, UK and USA, from top 100 multi-nationals, through to new growth markets and accelerating start-ups. With a highly commercial focus on sustainable growth and capability of an organisation; Mark is a proven leader, trusted adviser, respected coach and HR entrepreneur.

Mark is a firm believer in supporting education, literacy and knowledge development, as an instrumental driver to changing the environment of those who do not have access to learning. Success will be through creating opportunities and progression for the future leaders of tomorrow.