10/31 2011
Posted in: Communication Behaviors, Questions from InterWeave Blog Fans
I received a great question over the weekend related to communicating with your boss and how to resign with grace. Here is the question…
“I have accepted another offer for employment. I want to leave on good terms. However, delivering my resignation in person is not possible, as I don’t live where I work. In addition, my boss also does not work in the main office, and also works remotely. Which is more appropriate: Phone Call, E-mail, or Mailing a copy of my resignation letter?”
Actually I would recommend two forms of communication when you are resigning your employment- A phone call followed up by a letter. Here are a few tips for your phone call.
- Make the call as soon as possible. Don’t wait to resign.
- Be sure to provide a minimum of two weeks notice (or longer if possible) when you are resigning your employment
- Keep your phone call brief. “Terry, I have enjoyed so much about this job and I appreciate what you have done for me. I have decided to accept another position and so my last day of employment will be ______. Is there anything that I can do for you to make the transition smooth for the next person coming in?”
- Don’t bog down your phone call with too many details. If your boss asks, then answer, but you are not under any obligation to explain why or how you are leaving or where you have decided to take another job.
- You are right to be leaving on good terms. Life is all about relationships, just because you have found another job you like better and that will be more appropriate to your needs, does not mean that you have to leave this relationship with a sour taste in your mouth or the company’s mouth.
Always follow up your phone call with a letter. If your company has a Human Resources department, I would also recommend copying your HR department on that letter. Your resignation letter is only one or two sentences. The main point of the letter is to say that you are resigning and when your last day will be that you will be working for them. I would like to recommend that you add a sentence in your letter that states your appreciation of the opportunity to serve them or their clients.
This was a great question. Please keep the questions coming and let me know if you have other topics of interest that will help you to communicate more effectively with others. Have a great day!
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
Sometimes showing grace is difficult. What could you do today that would help others see your grace? Or what have you already done that did not show your grace and now you need to do it over?
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