So let’s say you find yourself in a situation where you are going to leave the corporate organization you work for, it could be due to the organization crossing your line like we discussed yesterday, it could be due to you wanting to step down to a position with fewer hours, it could be that you are almost ready to step away and run your own business full time. Whatever the reason, keep leading as you execute your exit strategy.
Now, for the sake of this discussion, I’m going to focus on you leaving because the company crossed your line in the sand so to speak. It’s easy to get into a situation where you get frustrated, you get angry, you know that you deserve to be treated better and you’re not going to stand for it.
First, I understand and I support you standing up for yourself. Period. No questions asked.
But while you are making moves, planning the next steps that are best for you, remember that your team is going to be in the middle of that. They didn’t ask for the drama, just like you didn’t. So you have a choice. You can either behave poorly or you can avoid the drama, lead your team, protect them, guide them, and support them like you always have, and when the time is right, you leave and you can do it knowing you kept your integrity and you lead through the adversity.
Now wouldn’t you much rather be seen as that type of leader than the skunky, immature leader that pouted, stomped around like a 2-year-old, and by the time you left everyone was grateful you were gone? You want people to miss your leadership, not pray that it’s going to end soon.
So again, care for your team as you execute your exit strategy, no matter the reason, no matter the timeline of your exit. They are counting on you.
Now, I haven’t been in this exact scenario but I do remember being passed over for a job I was asked to apply for.
I remember in my corporate job I applied for a position, at the request of the executive leader of the organization. The interview went great, but I wasn’t selected for the job. I remember thinking, “I was asked to apply, what the heck?!” So I asked all of the interview panelists for feedback and I was told I did perfectly. I mean, ZERO growth feedback. They couldn’t tell me anything I needed to improve upon. But I still didn’t get the job. I was frustrated. I didn’t understand. But I had a choice, I could pout or I could take care of my team and keep pushing forward. I decided to keep pushing forward, and less than a year later, I was asked to step into an even better role. When I got into that position and watched the other person operate in the job I wasn’t selected for, I was so GRATEFUL I didn’t get that job. Grateful. I got a better job because I kept taking care of my team and doing the right things.
So, as you work your corporate job, when you get to a point where you are working on your exit strategy, my challenge to you is to keep leading your team.
Be Legendary!