Simpleology Blog

Don't go this way. In the film, Jerry Maguire, the lead character commits every resignation etiquette gaffe and burns his bridges in a matter of minutes.

When Mark Joyner interviewed me way back in May, one of the questions he asked was why I had resigned from my previous jobs. I simply said, "I didn't feel I'd be learning anything more if I had stayed."

Play Nice
My answer to Mark's question was true but--as anyone who's worked in several companies will tell you--there are bosses who treat you as if you were less than human.

Still, I bit my tongue to keep from saying anything that'd make Mark think I'd badmouth bosses and workmates every chance I get.

Yes, there were a couple of places I worked in that "traumatized" me, but thank God I listened to my dad advice to always be a gentleman when you hand in your resignation notice. "Don't burn bridges," he told me years ago, when I quit working for a newspaper.

That has proven to be one good advice.

Burn Notice
I wish, though, that other people would heed my dad's advice.

Just the other day, my friend Dan was all puffed up with pride about causing a fuss on his last day at his old office. Things had gotten so bad there that all he could think of was how lucky he was to be getting out. When five o'clock struck, he actually fist-pumped a triumphant "Yes!" as he walked past his co-workers' desks.

Of course, I congratulated him on his new-found freedom, but I couldn't help but think that it wasn't very wise of him to have done something that may have completely burned his bridges. His is a very specialized industry and it was likely he'd be running into his former bosses and colleagues in the future.

Resign Right
So, is there really is a right way to make a graceful exit from a job? Here's what career management expert Karyl Innis, CEO of The Innis Company, has to say:

1. Do it in person. Innis says it's best to pick a time when your boss is alone and isn't busy. She adds, "Bring your letter of resignation with you and explain that you have something important to discuss. Then hand her the letter and explain what's in it--that you're resigning and when your last day will be." Innis suggests giving at least two weeks' notice.

2. Don't whine. "People tend to discount the views of departing employees who haven't spoken up previously," says Innis. You might just come across as sourgraping or bitter.

3. Watch your email. Once it's known at the office that you're leaving, be careful what you tell others... especially over email. Your message will be very easy to forward and might even... gasp!... reach the CEO's inbox.

4. Do a proper turnover. Make sure to tie up any loose ends. You'll leave a good impression if all documentation or files are in order, with a memo explaining the status of your projects and anything else the person taking over will need to know.

5. Say thank you. No matter why you're leaving, keep your goodbye's friendly. You don't have to concoct an elaborate tale, but a simple "thanks for the opportunity" or "I learned a lot here" will go a long way.

If you're leaving the company anyway, why put in all this effort, you ask? Well, your old boss may actually know your next one or... you never know, you may even find yourself back in the same company again. If that's the case, their last impression of you can be just as important as the first.

Like my dad said, "Don't burn bridges." Take his advice. I'm sure glad I did because it eventually led me to a job that makes me happy. How? A former workmate whom I had stayed in touch with had given me the tip about the job opening. Now, I'm enjoying working with people who don't feel the need to play dirty to get ahead. (Plus, I have a boss whom I can needle when his favorite basketball team loses to mine.)