Career Advice

So long, Farewell!

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Ready to turn in your 2-weeks notice?! Why do so many of us feel a major sense of guilt, anxiety or fear leading up to the moment we turn in our 2-weeks notice?
Until this point, you’ve provided an incredible service to your employer and the only person that may be upset by the news is your employer. They often get upset for this reason – it’s an inconvenience to them. Yes, in some instances your employer will miss you as a friend and colleague. If that is the case, they’re also going to be extremely happy for you, wishing you well in your next opportunity.
If you’re feeling like you aren’t sure how to approach the situation here are 3 Steps to help you leave your job on a positive note!

 

How-To Tell Your Boss You’re Leaving…
1. Write a letter of resignation. Keep it short and professional. This is not the time to add emotional sentiments. It is, however, appropriate to express your gratitude for the opportunity.
2. Set-up a meeting to speak with your boss privately and hand them the letter signed. Also, email it to them after the meeting. In this email make sure to include any details from that meeting so you have it in writing. If necessary, be sure to meet with someone from your HR team to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Try your best to give your boss/company 2-weeks notice. Some companies may tell you to leave that day, more often, companies greatly appreciate the time to find a replacement.

   

Going the extra mile for an employer that you’re leaving may seem counterintuitive but it can be a game changer. Don’t forget that this employer could be a reference down the road.
To ensure a positive exit, I have always made sure that I was setting up my replacement for success. You can do this by creating an outline of your daily responsibilities by providing the tasks, tools, and people that you coordinate with to complete those tasks. You will be leaving your job on a positive note and spreading that positivity on to the next person. 
Leaving a job isn’t always easy. There will for sure be unknowns throughout the process. Maintain a positive outlook, stay organized and remember that you’re not the first person to turn in their notice. You’ve got this! 
Best of luck to you all in your new adventures!
– C.C.Coach 
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Career Advice

Ask For It: Promotions

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Do you feel like you’re due for a promotion? First off, ASK! If you haven’t done this – stop where you are and go do it. If you don’t believe me – check out this HBR article.
The next step is…You’ve asked your manager and they’re avoiding the subject? Or, like a friend shared with me recently they’re postponing your promotion because they aren’t sure how to tell your peers. (I know, it sounds crazy…but that’s a true story!)
In my experience, there are three type’s of bosses that you’ll run into in almost any job. They’ll either make it easier or harder for you to get promoted…but you’re determined (you’re getting promoted!)
  1. High EQ Boss – A boss that acknowledges and rewards high-performers and those contributing above and beyond.
  2. Structured “by the rules” Boss – A boss that only discusses promotions during specific employee review periods (annual, bi-annual, or quarterly).
  3. Clueless or Reactive Boss – This boss doesn’t pay attention to the happiness of their employees – as long as everything in the business is going well the culture and retention aspects of the workforce are an after thought. They only approach (tentatively) promotions or salary when it’s an issue.
Have you found yourself working for one or all of these types of boss’s before?
How did you handle it?
Did you end up getting that promotion or raise?
  1. High EQ Boss – These managers are diamonds in the rough and some of us have been fortunate to have managers that approach us before we approach them about a promotion or raise. They are able to recognize and show appreciation through accolades and rewards. Therefore, as an employee you feel your valued and that you are validated in thinking that you’re doing a stellar job! Make sure to show your appreciation. Be humble and pay-it-forward to a more junior co-worker! 
  2. “By the Rules” Boss – Managers that follow the rules aren’t all bad. At least you know what to expect and when to be prepared to discuss a promotion and/or raise. This allows you time to create a list of all of your contributions and milestones throughout the year. By having this information you’ll be making an undeniable case for why and how you’ve proven your worth and value to the organization. In this scenario it’s important to follow-up and set expectations. You want to walk out of your review understanding next steps and what your boss is going to recommend to HR for your promotion and/or raise. 
  3. Reactive Boss – These managers can sometimes be the most fun and passionate…They’re usually first-time managers or entrepreneurs that haven’t managed a large group (that aren’t their friends) before. This manager is going to require that YOU provide the structure around discussions regarding a promotion or raise. They will often want to see what you’ve done to deserve the promotion or raise but also why they should do it now? Unlike the structured boss who has a deadline to tell HR what your promotion or raise would be this manager has unlimited time to mull over your promotion. In this instance, provide your manager not only with the reasons and proof for why you deserve a raise but also how the new title and raise will enable you to be an even more effective performer. It is also important to provide them with examples of how to message this promotion to the rest of your team. This can sometimes be awkward for a new manager and they may not be sure how or when to deliver (or even if they want to deliver) such a message.
I know I say this all the time but being prepared and understanding your audience is the most valuable tool you can bring to the table. Especially, when it has to do with your role, salary, and ability to move-up in a company. Make sure you take the time to think and even prove to yourself your worth! We often think of our contributions as smaller than they are and don’t realize the impact they have on a company. Granted the economy of scale comes into play but we all need to evaluate the value that we bring to a company and if they are realizing our worth and most importantly our potential for growth within the company.
If you’re finding that this is an uphill battle…don’t give-up! Try some of the above tactics and don’t be afraid to have these conversations with your boss or manager(s). If you’re performing at high-level they could even be expecting you to approach them about how to move-up in the company.
Feel free to reach out or comment with your questions! I’m here to help! 
– C.C. Coach
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