uplIft: Feb 17, 2022

Perspective

Failure

“Failure is when we put effort in doing something and the results don’t match expectations.

The good news is that expectations are for us to define.

If we can refocus our expectations from any activity on two possible results instead of a singular result, we can start viewing failure differently. Result one, is when we achieve a defined end state. Result two, is when we learn something new about the process of performing the activity.

 Failure in that sense is a state of mind, more than a reality.”

Career Conundrum

Question: What’s the best way to resign?

Moving on is part of life, and even more so a part of our professional journeys. However, doing so gracefully, while keeping our bridges alive, is an art few have mastered.

Deliver the Message 1:1

Nobody likes surprises, least of it the people we work with. It’s best to intimate your reporting manager over a conversation, ideally in person if possible, sharing your intentions to pursue other opportunities after you have bagged the new opportunity. Try and keep the discussion brief, but be willing to articulate a perspective on what makes the new opportunity most attractive. Let them know when (same day/ next day) you will be putting in your papers officially on the system.

One question I often get is should I be giving a heads-up to my manager before I start looking out. I think the latter is restricted to those select 5% cases where you enjoy either a personal equation with the manager, or where you feel the organization will support you finding a role over an extended 5-6 month timeline. In all other cases, it’s best to keep your intention to explore an opportunity close to yourself.

Handling Retention Conversations

If you have spent a fair bit of time in the organization or are very valuable to the firm, it is likely the manager may request for a couple of follow-up chats or discussion to see if they can retain you. It’s best to be open to these conversations (as it shows respect), unless you are crystal clear that you would not want to stay back.

It’s important to note two aspects in case a retention conversation is opened up. First, only engage in compensation / retention discussion if you are serious about considering to stay back, else it spoils the existing relationship (when you decide to move on despite the existing firm matching the role/ compensation). Two, a retention conversation isn’t an opportunity to bash the system and all its flaws, but rather remain focused on getting the best opportunity for yourself (whether within the same organization or in the new company).

Emphasize Your Commitment

Make it clear to the manager that you will be sincerely performing your responsibilities during the notice period, and will support in the work transition. The professional world is a small and fairly networked place, and you always want to end of a great note.

Should I Share Where I am Headed?

At the time of resigning, there is often confusion about whether or not to share where you will be joining. There isn’t a thumb rule on whether to share this information upfront or not, and it depends on your comfort in sharing this. Sharing the prospective employer’s name upfront is fine, while minimizing the details of the specific team you maybe joining and the manager you maybe working for. The reason for the latter is to ensure that that this information doesn’t leak out, just in case your hiring manager hasn’t yet shared this internally.

You are Leaving the Company, Not the Network

Finally, keep your relationships with your reporting manager and the wider ecosystem alive by actively thanking people that have helped you during your journey, and reaching out to those that you want to stay connected with before you move on.

POint to POnder

What does my brand stand for, at the workplace and in personal life?