So, you have decided to pursue other opportunities.  Good for you…but  you would like something for leaving.  What do you want? Of course you want to leave on good terms.  You can assume they will not keep paying you, but this doesn’t mean there is no value available.

POWER NOTE: IF YOU ARE LEAVING, YOU ARE LEAVING. DO NOT BLUFF. THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO GET FIRED!

THINGS YOU MAY WANT

• Health care for a period of time.

• Your computer - maybe at a discount.

• Use of cell phone. (For those who are on a company phone with data, these cost over $100 a month these days.)

• Some/all of your bonus which is coming soon.

• Stock options which have yet to mature.

• Transition money.

• Work from home during the transition. Or, not work at all.

• Time to vacation between jobs.

• Paid time off, that may be coming soon.

THINGS YOU HAVE THEY MAY WANT

• Knowledge Transfer

• Time: To do more work, hire a new person, train someone, etc.

• Sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure statement

POWER NOTE: AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT (if you are one). THIS YOUR ACE! BUT, PLAY IT CAREFULLY!
They have a right to send you on your way and you the same. Taken to the extreme, you have the right to walk into your bosses office at any time and resign, effective immediately. They must pay you up until that minute. Of course, you will not do this, but, it is your right and therefore is powerful. Read the company policy. Sometimes this scenario is addressed.

THINGS YOUR COMPANY IS THINKING
In most cases, you work for a company because they need/want you – it is why you get paid. When you leave, the company most likely has a problem. They will need to find someone to do your job. That costs money, time, training, lost productivity, etc. They may go into immediate crisis mode. Only in rare circumstances will they be happy to see you go.

POWER NOTE: DISCOVER YOUR COMPANIES FEARS IN YOU LEAVING.
HELP MINIMIZE THOSE FEARS IN EXCHANGE FOR THINGS YOU WANT.

KEY’S TO LEAVING
Meet in person (if at all possible) with your manager and your manager only! Do not include HR!   (You will see why in a minute.)  This assumes you have a good relationship with this person. If not, maybe think about HR.

Inform him/her you will be leaving.

• Do not tell them where you are going! Don’t even be tempted! “I am not at liberty to say at the moment.”

• Do not tell them when! They will ask. “This is open at the moment.”

• Tell your manager you have really enjoyed working there and for him/her and you would like to make your departure as smooth and positive as possible.

• "How would you (the company) like this to happen?" Now shut up and see what happens!

• Get their list of desires! Get out of the meeting. "Let me get back to you."

• Develop your well thought-out counter offer and start negotiating.

Special Note: If you think allowing your manager time to talk with his/her manager could damage your position, get it done immediately.

WHY YOUR BOSS ONLY?
This is the person most likely to be damaged and hurt by you leaving.

• All your knowledge is going out the door and without it transferring to another employee.

• S/he has to restructure his/her staff to accommodate your loss.

• S/he does not want to be left politically vulnerable within the organization.

• S/he is less concerned about your “wants.” They are concerned about their own. Be a hero!

• S/he will most likely need to hire someone. This will mean more work for him/her.

• They are not thinking about the legal aspects of your departure – HR will be. HR is less concerned about the boss and factors s/he thinks to be important.

• Your boss will most likely advocate on your behalf with HR to help you both get what you want.

TWO WEEKS IS NOT STANDARD
How many times have you heard this? The unfortunate part is many companies will frown upon you not giving two week notice, or may even have it as part of a company policy with a punishment if not followed. But, you want to leave on good terms. Unless you are under an employment contract, there is no requirement. Remember, if the company wanted this guarantee, they could have offered you an employment contract. They took the risk you would be nice. You can be professional and nice at the same time. Find out what they want, and then negotiate this work time – i.e. work from home, half days, etc.

DANGEROUS TOPICS IN YOUR DISCUSSION

If your New Employer is a Competitor
Your boss will most likely hand you a cardboard box and walk you out. In some case, this may not be such a bad thing.  For instance, if you provide two week notice which includes no paid time off, there is a high possibility your company will just pay you for those two weeks. In this case, a paid holiday! Hence, there is power in playing "competitor" card. At the right time, it could pay dividends.  If you think this is the case - offer 4 weeks notice.

Notice Period (and vacation)
Although we typically hear two weeks is standard, this does not have to be the case. During the notice period, how much vacation time will you take? If the company will pay you accrued time off, take no vacation time during the transition. If you do, add that time to the notice period. For instance, if you would like to give two week notice, but, in the middle week you have a five day holiday planned, tell them you would like to give them three week notice.

POWER NOTE: PROVIDING NOTICE IS AN OFFER, NOT AN AGREEMENT UNTIL FULLY ACCEPTED.
Just because you offer two weeks does not mean you MUST work two weeks. Start negotiating.

You Are Not Successful – Now What?
You have tried to get a severance agreement or increase your value, and for whatever reason they are not interested. You could bring up the following items and see what they say. In an agreement, one side gives something for something in return. In this case, make them think.

• If you agreed to transition, try limiting this work – half days, work from home, etc.

• Non-compete

• Non-solicitation

• Confidentiality

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