The conversation with the boss
Although it is not a legal requirement, it is still advisable to have a conversation with your manager first. If you’ve been tied to a company for years and have developed a personal relationship with co-workers, then it’s better for the boss to get the new message from you than from HR. Because in such situations, emotions can also play a role and the superiors think that they are the reason for the farewell. You should proceed diplomatically and justify your own decision in style.
If you held an important position in the company, you might get counter offers. You should think carefully about whether you really want to change or not. If you decide to do this, you should be “firmly determined [sein]to implement your change” and not be unsettled by other offers, as Gary Burnison, CEO of the world’s largest organization and personnel consultancy Korn Ferry, said according to WirtschaftsWoche.
The conversation with colleagues
Once you have cleared this first hurdle, the next one is already waiting: your colleagues. Some might have figured it out beforehand, as many have noted “a good antenna for secrecy” and your frequent conversations with the manager. Nevertheless, you should try to keep the termination to yourself until everything has been clarified with the boss or human resources department. The boss can then transmit the news, for example in a meeting, or you can do it yourself. The latter might be more appropriate so that you can elaborate on your motivations and express your appreciation.
The professional transition
Whether you were on good terms with your colleagues or not, good manners and helpfulness should be maintained to the end. Help your manager find a replacement. Once someone has been found, train them in the new tasks in the best possible way. Fulfill your tasks conscientiously: The fact that you didn’t suddenly become indifferent to everything shows professionalism and a sense of responsibility, which is also required in the new job, as Burnison further stated. As a farewell, you could meet up with colleagues for dinner or write a few last words by e-mail.
The professional transition should also be continued in the new job. If you are asked the reasons why you left your old job, you should definitely not gossip about your previous employer. This also applies to the duty of confidentiality. Even if it is not stated directly in the contract or if the contract has expired, it is also forbidden to talk about company and business secrets outside of the employment relationship. Not only that the former employer might find out in one way or another. It also leaves a negative impression on the new employer.
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