A while back, I wrote about how organizations could be more intentional when onboarding or offboarding staff—how they could mine the right data, ask the right questions, care a little more, etc.. I still think that’s worthwhile, but I also know now that waiting for an organization to care that deeply might be wishful thinking. What I missed then was this: leaving well isn’t about whether they care; it’s about whether you do.
There is a difference between quitting a job because of illegal harm done to you as a person and quitting a job because you have a difference of opinion on key things/frustrations/arguably bad leadership. The following is for the latter, and like any breakup, there are some tips and tricks that will benefit you:
1. Do NOT burn bridges
It doesn’t matter if you work for the worst company in the world or the smallest non-profit in the world, you need to resist the temptation to speak ill of people. In fact, you should speak kindly about your bosses, the work, and even coworkers in the work environment and anywhere else. Outside of the refuge of your home, no one should hear about the things that led to your departure, unless they’re illicit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going into another industry or not: people talk and you don’t want to give them any reason to vilify you.
2. You Are a Bastion of Calm
This is kind of the same thing as number one, but it’s still worth repeating. Do not give into the hype of the WWE drama-looping feud of the 2000’s where it was sooooooo cool to open a can and dunk on your boss. You are an adult and adults can control their emotions.
3. Two Weeks Notice might not be enough.
I want to stress that allegiances to an organization (even a good one with a healthy culture) are often misplaced. Even a non-profit that pays a salary exists for you, not the other way around. But at the same time, if there is any goodwill on your part, offer as much time as you’re willing to give before walking out the door with your last cardboard box of belongings. It could help your wallet while you transition to your new role.
4. Do NOT Check Out
If you have any integrity and you’re willing to stay for the minimum two weeks, don’t get Senioritis. Don’t be that guy or girl that is clocking in and getting paid, but has already quietly quit. Whether you’re helping train a replacement or you’re being used to help front-fill your absence, don’t get in the way of yourself or your ego.
5. Reflect
Ask yourself this question: is there any scenario where I might be at fault, here? It takes a mature man (or woman) to realize their own faults and to own them, but learning from them is even better. That doesn’t mean you should stay, but it does mean you can be grateful for the time you had and bring that self-awareness to your next opportunity.
There is a chance, especially if there are emotions running high, that you will have trouble doing any of the above, but I would encourage you to remind yourself whenever those emotions start to bubble up: “I will leave well.”
Questions to Challenge Yourself:
- Looking back on a past transition, do you ever think you left poorly? What would you have done differently?
- How can self-reflection—especially asking “What part of this might be on me?”—shape the way you enter your next season or role?