MOVING ON UP?
If, like Becks, you're on the verge of changing jobs, how do
you tell your boss ... without getting a boot in the face?
Changing jobs ranks among divorce, marriage and moving home as the most
stressful things you can experience in life. While the nerve-tingling
first weeks in a new job are unpleasant, making preparations for your
departure and, above all, telling your old boss you're on the move can
be equally as fraught. So how can you smooth the process?
Janet McGlaughlin, director of independent recruitment group Pertemps,
believes a considered approach is important
"Before resigning, ask yourself if you are totally committed to leaving.
Discuss any concerns calmly with your line manager first, and be receptive
to any solutions they offer."
"Timing is important. If your company is in the middle of a massive
project, handing in your notice is likely to be received very badly by
management and your fellow employees. However there is never a convenient
time to lose a valued employee and whilst the initial response may be
quite cool more and more employers prefer to leave the door open for employees
to return should they wish to do so in the future."
Once you've established beyond doubt that you want to leave, it's
necessary to approach the boss and resign officially. Writing a resignation
letter is the best way of doing this - though speak to your line
manager face to face as well. Make sure the letter is dated clearly and
establishes a preferred leaving date. Brief reasons for leaving can be
included, but be careful of overdoing the vitriol: an angry resignation
letter makes entertaining reading for a third party - and may release
much pent up frustration - but it is one sure-fire way of ruining any
hope of a future working relationship with your old boss.
"Resignations are a touchy subject for employee and employer alike,
which means emotions can run high," said McGlaughlin. "But burning
bridges is not a good idea. Apart from the danger that you may come across
your boss later in your career, venting your anger will also make working
your notice period unpleasant. Keep your reasons for leaving brief and
factual - don't get involved in a slanging match."
Next, arrange the finer details of your departure. Pertemps offers the
following advice:
- Agree an official leaving date with your boss and HR as soon as
possible - this will allow you to plan ahead. Typical notice periods
are one month, but you may be able to negotiate an earlier leaving date.
- Establish what you are expected to do before leaving - ensure
suitable handover notes and any urgent pieces of work are completed
in good time. Remember your departure affects work colleagues too: don't
drop them in it by failing to fulfil your final obligations.
- Get your admin in order - contact HR to check your P45 is processed
and sent to your home address. Ask about procedures for transferring
any pensions or share option schemes. Make sure expenses are up-to-date
and that your final payment is correct. If appropriate, ask your boss
if s/he would be happy to act as a referee in the future.
- Sort out your personal belongings - besides executive toys
and tea mug, think about whether there are any pieces of work that might
be suitable to use in a portfolio for future applications. But remember
it is illegal to copy any material without the prior agreement of your
employer.
- Return all company property - things like keys, credit
cards, mobile phones and company cars will need to be returned to HR
staff in good condition.
... AND HERE'S HOW YOU CAN LEARN FROM BECKS:
- Keep your cool: despite provocation from Alex Ferguson, exemplified
by the famous 'flying boot' episode and his absence from the Man United
starting line-up in several key matches, Beckham never attacked his
manager in public and thus retained a workable relationship with him
to the end of his time at the club. Confrontation and retribution, in
other words, won't help the situation.
- Make sure the move is right for you: Becks's representatives
have worked behind the scenes to ensure that the transition to Real
Madrid is as smooth and lucrative as possible. In the same way, make
sure you have a good job offer or a viable alternative plan in place
before resigning.
- Be professional to the end: the United star showed no sign
of imminent departure in his performances at the end of the season,
scoring twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League and helping
his side win the Premier League. As a result, he retained the respect
of his fellow professionals - which is vital in any industry. So don't
start arriving late, leaving early and taking three hour lunches. It
will cast you in a poor light.
- Leave gracefully: in a statement released after his move was
announced, Beckham pledged his love for his ex-employers and his admiration
for Alex Ferguson. Keeping things civil keeps long term options open.
After all, who knows what the future holds?
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