REASON FOR LEAVING?: OUCH!
With Christmas coming up, Justin, a client who had been a senior executive with a leading hi-tech firm, raised a big concern now that he is ’between jobs’. “I’m not really sure what to say when I connect with colleagues, friends and family over the holiday and I’m asked something like “So whats happening Justin? What happened with your job?” I know I’ll probably hear this question a number of times!” Justin was just starting up his job search. It was obviously quite important for him to be able to handle this question with confidence, no matter who would be asking him.
“So what is it you feel you want to do when these questions come up?” I asked. “Well, I definitely want to respond to them truthfully, make sure what I say is acceptable, particularly when I’m in interviews. I’ll need to respond truthfully and in a way that’s acceptable to my former and prospective employers.”
“Sounds good. Would developing a statement that briefly explains your reason for leaving make sense?” I asked. “Absolutely, I’m quite anxious to be ready and able to deal with any questions like these that may come up.” Justin responded.
“Well whatever it is you develop, I invite you to make sure it’s short and to the point! I’d also encourage you to discuss what you do create with your wife and other family members, or anyone else for that matter close to you, as they will likely run into other associates, colleagues, and important people in your network and be confronted with the same question, “What happened with Justin?” In this way they can respond as comfortably as you and make it a lot easier to take care of these situations and support you by sharing a consistent and positive message.”
“So when you’re trying to develop your statement, what are the key points you believe you need to consider?” I then asked.
“Well whatever I come up with, I think needs to be short and to the point! I also feel it should be as positive as I can make it.” he responded.
“I believe you’re right on. There’s another key point that I would throw in for your consideration. Try to ensure that whatever you do come up with is not only truthful but very easy to explain” I went on.
“What are some of the key reasons for leaving you’ve come across with some of your other clients who’ve faced the same challenge?” asked Justin.
“Hmmm . . . some of them included the existence of different leadership style, a new boss with a different operating approach, restructuring, downsizing, reorganization, a substantively changed role, buyout. These are a few very legitimate reasons that have been shared with me.” was my observation.
Finishing off our coaching session, “My request of you is to begin drafting your own reason for leaving statement by starting to jot down some of the key points you would like to include in it and then let’s take some time in next week’s scheduled coaching session to review your draft and flesh it out. Will that work?” “I’m thinking about it already!” Justin responded anxiously.
I know you’re more than capable of coming up with a solid reason for leaving statement. Once done, you’ll be able to use it as part of your Personal Commercial when in information-referral meetings, engaged in strategic networking, in employment interviews . . . the opportunities will be endless until you nail down the opportunity you really want.”, I went on, ”It’s not if, it’s when it will happen. Trust me.”
“OK, what’s a Personal Commercial?” Justin put forward. I ended our conversation “We’ll visit that at our next meeting as well. In the meantime my friend, you and yours have a happy holiday! Take a good rest because you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you with success definitely at the end of it!”
What were the gold nuggets for you in this coaching discussion? If you were coaching Justin, what would you have asked him?
By the way, if you or someone you know is currently in the midst of a career transition experience and are one of the ready few who would like to join an exclusive coaching group of like minded members focused on being in service of each other’s future success and fulfillment, then go to Exclusive Group Coaching or call us at 1.866.952.6224. We’re there for you. Take care.
This entry was posted on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 6:21 pm and is filed under Career Transitions, Executive Coaching, Leadership Transition, Personal Coaching. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
