How To Handle a Resignation Like A Pro

If you are reading this, you likely have a team or are planning to in the future.  Over time, people will come and go from your team and this will make you happy or sad.  Here are some tips on how to handle a resignation well:

IF YOU ARE SAD ABOUT THE RESIGNATION:

I’ve been there (luckily only a few times) – someone who fits well in your team and is good at their job chooses to leave.  You might be shocked and taken back as you had plans and it included them. It feels like rejection and it hurts. It is right now that you need to do the following:

• Smile and thank them for their service.  
• Tell them what they have contributed to the organisation and why they have made a difference. Reaffirm that without them, the business would have been less successful.
• If they haven’t disclosed it, ask what their plans are and if they have accepted another role.
• Let them know that you are sad and shocked (you are a person after all!), but that you understand why they want to take a new opportunity/go back to university/develop a new skill/go overseas and let them know that while it is difficult for you, you respect their decision.
• Let them know that you will do all you can to help now and in the future and the door is always open.
• Now give yourself some space – say you will go away and review things and come back with details on timeline, handover plans etc.  This is crucial as often you are a bit shocked and you need a moment or a strong coffee before you confirm details.
• Ask them to keep the resignation to themselves until you have confirmed the details with them.  This is important because you want to manage the message to your team.

IF YOU ARE (QUIETLY) ELATED ABOUT THE RESIGNATION READ HERE:

I’ve been here too and often the resignation is not a surprise.  It is important however to put your private elation aside to focus on the conversation at hand.  How you handle this conversation is very important. You should do the following:

• Smile and thank them for their service.  
• Tell them what they have contributed to the organisation and why they have made a difference. Reaffirm that without them, the business would have been less successful. In all but 5% of cases – an employee has contributed something to the business and it is important right now that you are gracious.
• Acknowledge there might have been difficulties present in the role but that you respect their decision to move forward with their career and will do what you can to support them.
• Once again – give yourself space to work through the details. Let them know when you will come back to confirm.
• Again – make sure that they are not disclosing the resignation to anyone until you have reconfirmed details.  

It’s always a difficult time when someone resigns, but whether you are saddened or elated, it is important that you handle it well and give yourself the time and space to plan for the next steps.  

Good luck!