Leave Gracefully

Unfortunately, in today’s economic climate, many people that don’t deserve to are losing their jobs anyway. Recently, a friend of mine lost his job, and relates the circumstances from which we can all learn.

Tom was called into his manager’s office unexpectedly. After a few seconds of awkward small talk, he figured out what was about to happen. The manager was nervous, quiet, apologetic, and could not look Tom in the eyes. Many of us have heard it before: “I’m sorry, economy, sales are off, trim costs, nothing personal, nothing you’ve done or not done.”

Tom was sharp enough to realize that:
- his manager had no choice
- this was not a negotiation or performance review; the decision had been made
- dismissing him probably represented the least chance of a lawsuit among the alternative choices

He did not argue, suggest good things he had done, or could have done, or say anything other than that he understood what was being told to him. He had the presence of mind to ask that since this was not performance based, could he get a warm reference from the manager should the need arise in his search. Tom also asked the appropriate questions about transition arrangements – timing, communication plan, COBRA, other benefits, severance, etc.

Tom was able to capitalize on the apologetic feelings held by his manager and obtain a slightly better severance arrangement, help to word the recommendation that the manager would provide, and keep this bridge open in case the economy got better, or the company later decided that Tom’s experience could alternatively be used in a contracting or consulting arrangement.

I hope that you are doing all the things to make yourself invaluable to your company all the time, but especially today, so you are not faced with the same situation. But please think about how you would react if you were in Tom’s shoes. You must think this through, because if you don’t, and it happens, human nature would predict a less professional conversation, that probably won’t save your job, and have you depart with less than Tom did.

Now go do good things, but please think on this.