Ethical Considerations When Leaving Your Job
You heard about a sales marketing management position at a rival firm and sent in your application. Eventually, you were called in for an interview, then for another… finally, you were offered the position and you’re planning on taking it.
You’re ecstatic, but you’re also concerned about something—how can you ethically leave your current employer? After all, “burning bridges”, though easy in the short term, is foolish in the long run.
If you’re serious about moving on career-wise, you’ll be happy to know that there are definitely ways to ensure that you leave your current employer on a positive, ethical note. Here, we’ll explore six aspects of leaving you need to consider:
1. How Will You Say Goodbye to Clients?
If you’re already a sales person or a sales marketing manager, you no doubt have at least a handful of clients at your current job. Thus, you owe it to your customers to tell them that you will no longer be their representative.Generally speaking, a formal letter (or, if it seems appropriate, an email) is a good way to go if this is the scenario. (You can always add a personal note at the bottom of the page.) Make certain that your leaving in no way puts your current employer in a bad light.
By sending out this type of short notice, your clientele will not be blindsided by your departure (which too often happens.)
2. Should You Tell Your Clients and Colleagues Where You’re Going?
After receiving word that you will no longer be working at your company, some clients may press you to find out where you are going. At that point, it’s up to you whether or not to disclose your new employer’s name; however, if that employer is a competitor of your current employer, remember that it would be highly unethical to deliberately encourage your clients to move their business by “following” you. That doesn’t mean you cannot tell a customer where you’re headed, but if your customer keeps asking why you’ve decided to leave, it’s best to remain tight-lipped and professional. (Chances are good that if they liked you a great deal, they’ll find a way to follow you to your next employer if they are so inclined.)3. What Will You Tell Your Colleagues about Your Departure?
How and what you tell your colleagues about your new position will depend upon a number of factors, including:- Whether you’re making a lateral move (such as sales marketing manager to sales marketing manager rather than sales personnel to sales marketing manager)
- Whether you’re leaving under negative circumstances
- Whether you’re leaving because you want to move to a new location
Again, it’s almost always best to portray your departure in a positive light, even if you’re resigning because your current employer has been difficult (or has asked you to leave).
4. How Will You Ensure That You Leave on Good Terms?
Typically, you will want to leave your employer on good terms. Therefore, it’s critical that you avoid badmouthing your company to anyone (coworkers, new coworkers, neighbours, acquaintances, clients, et cetera) during or directly after your transition period.Obviously, some companies are so terrible (or have gained such a bad reputation) that it may be difficult for you to stay silent about your experiences, but it’s usually the best bet to do so.
5. When Should You Tell Your Employer You’ll Be Leaving?
If you’re a sales and marketing manager, you’ll need to give your employer as much notice as possible. Most companies like at least 2 weeks notice, often more depending upon your level of responsibility or length of service. You can find this information in your contract, if you signed one.However, be aware that if you’re a sales person and you’re heading to a competing company, you may be asked to leave the day that you tell your employer that you’ve accepted a position with the competition. (This is especially common in financial and legal businesses.) Try not to take it personally if you’re escorted to the door so as to ensure you haven’t removed any customer files.
