Quitting With Class - The Fine Art Of Finishing Well And Leaving With Style

I just quit my job! That's right...I quit.

For the past seven years I've been the National Director of a youth organization that serves over 2,000 church youth groups across the United States. It's been a great job, but I started a business three years ago and it was time to move on. What was cool was that my resignation was such a positive experience...both for the organization and for me. I served well and believe the organization is stronger than when I started serving almost seven years ago. What's more, I was able to work with the individual who is replacing me...preparing him for his new assignment. In practically every way, the transition was not only smooth, but positive!

This hasn't always been the case for me. Over the past 20 years, I have held four major positions (not counting starting the business I mentioned earlier). Three different times I quit with class. One time I quit with...well, not so much class. Through each, I've learned a few lessons.

Are you facing a transition in the future? Here are some thoughts that should help you finish well and quit with class...

First, Be Positive. No matter if you resign or are "let go," focus on the positive. Jack Canfield, the author of The Success Principles, teaches that every experience we face follows a formula:

• E + R = O (event + response = outcome)

In other words, the outcome of an event (i.e. your resignation or firing) is directly tied to your response to that event. If you blame others or decide to be a victim, your outcome will not be good. However, if you focus on the positive and try to learn all you can from the experience, your outcome WILL BE POSITIVE. So no matter if you quit or if you are asked to leave, put on your positive lenses and learn all you can through the experience.

Second, Don't Be a Bridge Burner. Burning Bridges is never a good idea. Therefore, no matter how badly you are treated or how much of an idiot your boss is, do NOT burn bridges. If there is an exit interview and you are given an opportunity to share thoughts, go ahead and share if you think you will be heard and can be respectful. If, however, you know you'll be talking to a brick wall or if you think your temper or sarcasm will get the best of you...pass. And be extra careful not to share toxic thoughts in resignation letters or in interviews with potential employers. If you cannot say something nice...shut thy mouth!

Third, Focus on Ending Well. You are bound to lose energy for a job once you announce you are moving on, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't give a rip. Show respect and genuine appreciation for the opportunity you were given. If possible, offer to train your replacement and help with the transition. Even if the place you have worked has been worse than eating lima beans for breakfast, show enough respect for yourself to finish well. Remember, your last actions are usually remembered most. So be classy!

Use these three simple tips to finish well and leave with style. This approach will pay off big-time in both your life and career!

2007 Kent Julian, Live It Forward - All Right Reserved

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Life and career coach Kent Julian, "America's Career Coach for a New Generation," publishes the "Live It Forward E-Connection," a bi-monthly ezine filled with free tips and strategies for pursuing the life and work you love. If you are ready to jump-start your career and find more joy and fulfillment in life, join the growing and dynamic E-Connection community now at http://www.liveitforward.com

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