PLEAAAAAASE Don't Go!!!!!!

Sure, everybody loves to be loved.  Maybe even more sadistically, we all assume (or even quietly hope) that we are irreplaceable as employees.  Yeah, it would be nice if we were so important that our soon-to-be former employers just crumbled under the pressure of carrying on without us.  But let's be real...life goes on.

Nevertheless....employers still panic sometimes when the bomb drops that you are leaving the company.  That either results in a police escort out of the building...or....a counteroffer. Here is some additional wisdom from Danny Cahill and myself about counteroffers.  In short...here is why you should never accept a counteroffer...even though we all secretly hope to get one.

Why you should never accept a Counteroffer:


1. Why did you have to resign to get a counteroffer? Weren’t you worth it before?

2. Where did the money come from? Is it just your next raise coming early?

3. Your loyalty will always be in question.

4. Your company will exact revenge by promoting someone else.

5. The feelings that made you want to leave initially will return once the heat of the moment passes.

6. You will regret lacking the courage to make the change you knew was best for your career.

7. Once trust is broken, it cannot be repaired. Nothing will ever be the same.

It's true people...just move on.  Yes it's wonderful to know that our employers love us.  Rather than offer you a counter...that just won't work out (industry statistics show that most employees that accept counteroffers are either fired or leave within 6 months), ask your employer to show their appreciation for  your work in the form of a good reference (written or verbal).  It's time for a change.

In the immortal words of George Costanza, "It's not you....it's me".

Harper...continued...

To continue on with the theme of the last blog-post...and to impart more of the wisdom from Danny Cahill's book, "Harper's Rules"....here are some of Harper's thoughts...and my own...on how to end the relationship.  In other words.....how to quit your job gracefully and professionally.  Remember last month's post....if it's time to go, then there is no time like the present to start a new adventure.

How to terminate a relationship...(quit a job).


1. Use direct, simple language. (Deliver the bad news in one sentence. Don’t say, “This is really hard for me, but…” or “I think” or “I don’t know how to say this…”.)

     *I know that you think you are softening the blow, but really...it's time to just make a clean break.  Your boss will appreciate it, and it's just the best way to handle a difficult situation.  Be decisive...don't give them any reason to try to counter and talk you into staying....even though they will try.

2. Realize that this is not an exit interview. (This is not the time to tell them what went wrong. There are two kinds of breakups….the kind where you don’t really want to break up, but are trying to change the other person’s behavior…or the kind where you just want out. You just want out.)

     *The time for changing the relationship has passed...that should've happened during your periodic reviews.  You can't change a company's culture...you either adapt to it, or leave.

3. Never burn a bridge. (Offer 2 weeks' notice and let them know that you’ll work hard and not disparage the company.)

     *Depending on your industry, many company's just walk you out the door.  Don't take it personally, they are just doing what is standard for protecting their company intellectual property.  Even if you think that they will "walk you out" immediately....offer to stay on and transition your replacement or knowledge to whomever it needs to go.

4. Ask for a commitment to give a verbal reference.

     *Some companies have a policy in place that won't allow this.  Most employees will give you a good reference anyway - assuming that you don't burn a bridge and that  you've earned their respect.  Don't assume anything.  Ask for a cell phone and email address if they give you their commitment.

5. Offer to submit, for documentation, a written letter of resignation.

     *Again, this is not an exit interview or a "tell-all" magazine headline.  Just keep to the specifics of your last day, your offer to stay for 2 weeks from the date of verbal resignation, etc. 


I'd also like to suggest that if you do have an exit interview, you should make sure to use the time to discuss any business that needs to be taken care of before you leave the premises.  For example - get a copy of any documentation that you've signed (non-compete agreements, severance packages, etc.).  Also, here is the time to make sure to discuss and get in writing any compensation, bonuses, etc. that you are owed.  Make sure you know the company's policy on payments and the laws governing the workforce in your state.  Also, make sure to get any HR questions you may have answered - like benefits, cobra, etc.  Make sure you also return any company property and equipment. 

Surely every break-up doesn't go easily.  Follow these suggestions and at least you'll know how to act when a "wrench" get's thrown into the works.  Remember...never....never...never ever...accept a counter offer.  More on why not to come.

Harper's Rules - a great book by Danny Cahill

I recently finished a great book for all recruiters and job seekers alike. Danny Cahill is one of the best recruiter and sales trainers that I've had the chance to listen to/read. You can check out his work at: http://www.accordingtodanny.com/

So, I found it easier for me to pick some of his techniques up by summarizing his character (Sr. Recruiter) Harper's Rules for job seekers. Here is a small slice for anyone thinking that it might be time to change jobs....or "get some feelers out".

Should you leave or should you stay?

1. If you are acting like you are leaving your job…then you are leaving your job. (taking calls/emails from recruiters, looking at job boards, posting resume, etc.)

2. If you were unemployed and had a chance to interview for the job you are already in…would you? Would you be interested in looking at other opportunities? (If you are staying at your job just because you are already in it, then you should leave.)

3. Was it ever what you really wanted? (Did you compromise when you took this job?)

4. If you didn’t have bills or obligations, would you stay at your job? (“Money is how adults keep score…it counts, but it doesn’t keep us happy.”)

5. Do you believe what they tell you at work? (Has your boss or employer lost your trust? If so, that is an obstacle you cannot overcome.)

6. Do you love your job, but feel uncomfortable in your company culture? (Cultures do not change…you either assimilate or leave.)

7. Are you staying because they “need you right now” or because you “can’t do that to your colleagues”? (Get over yourself…your company will not only survive, but thrive with someone in your seat who is happy at work.)

8. Has your body already told you to leave, but you are hard of hearing? (Pain is the way of demanding change.)

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By a copy of the book here: http://www.accordingtodanny.com/products.aspx?stype=4