How to give notice

- Everything you do registers either positively or negatively on the people you interact with. Giving notice represents a wonderful opportunity for them to remember what a stand-up person you were in a stressful situation. There have been people I've worked with in the past that I hope to never, ever work with again, but I've learned, yesterday's bitter enemy may be a future ally, or even a source of referrals. You want your boss and coworkers to remember that you handled your leaving in a thoroughly professional manner. You left, they were sorry to lose you, but you did it the right way. Put yourself in your boss's place. How would you feel if a member of your staff suddenly quit without warning? Consider that you may cross paths with your boss and coworkers again, do not leave people resentful. Show some class. Here are some tips for when you have to give notice. One, there is something called setting up someone's listening, meaning, you prepare them for what comes next. Don't surprise them by blurting out bad news. In the meeting where you'll be giving notice, have compassion for your boss's position. Your news is an unwelcome surprise, it's put your boss in an uncomfortable position. They have to suddenly think about replacing you, deal with the fallout from your team, explain what happened to their bosses, talk with H.R., possibly security, announce to the company's customers and vendors why you left, and reassure them they'll still be taken care of, and so on. All this may be going through your boss's head after you hit them with the news. Second, deliver your notice face-to-face. Ever break up with someone you've been dating? How did it feel when they initiated the breakup? And did it on the phone, or worse, via text or e-mail? Now, you are doing the breaking up, that this is in the workplace, and not a romantic relationship doesn't matter, there's a person at the other end of the conversation. They have feelings, treat them with respect and care. Meeting your boss face-to-face to deliver the news is the right thing to do. This will not be easy or fun, but it's how professionals handle difficult situations. Find a private place in the office, and close the door. Number three, offer to give notice, two weeks is standard. Don't be surprised if they want you out immediately. When I worked in sales, the moment I said I was leaving, I was done. The company felt that I could no longer be effective when I had one foot out the door, and they were right. Four, if you want to stay in contact with your coworkers after you leave, make sure you have all their contact information. You need to be smart about this, so begin collecting this data long before you decide to make a move. Number five, offer to assist in the transition. This can include making a list of your responsibilities, job functions, and workflow. Volunteer to train your replacement, or just be generous and ask, "What can I do to ease the transition?" And finally, number six, thank your boss for the opportunity they gave you, and for what you learned. At your meeting, don't trash anyone, not the company, not your coworkers, and certainly not your boss. You don't want to leave on bad terms. You may need to ask these same people for a reference someday, and you may be doing business with them. This is not the time to air grievances or settle scores. You won, you're leaving for a better situation, on your way out, be gracious, compassionate, and kind. Don't be a sore winner.