Heading off the Lame-Duck Syndrome

Be bigger than them and attempt to keep your integrity and references intact. Instead of blowing them off, losing your cool or launching counterattacks, try a positive, proactive approach to head off this syndrome or at least reduce its severity. Once it starts snowballing, it'll be hard to stop. Prevention is the best cure.

You might be watched closely. Your last few hours may be the most important, as your behavior at that time might comprise the final and most-enduring impression the company has of you. Do all you can to be remembered as a professional.

• First and foremost, give your employer ample notice. The typical minimum US employers require is two business weeks. Check your company’s policy manual to be sure. If you’re leaving at a particularly vulnerable time for your department, consider giving up to double the minimum notice. But if you've got to go, that's generous enough. Don't jeopardize your new job or let them exploit you. People quit all the time. No matter how guilty they try to make you feel, the company will likely survive just fine without you.
• Take the time to talk with each of your bosses, coworkers and direct-reports. This is especially important to squelch potential watercooler rumors, such as you hate your job or were forced out. But, keep it positive and light, while choosing your words carefully. If asked why you're leaving, make generic statements such as, "It's a career opportunity I just can't pass up." Avoid expressing too much regret, as it probably won't appear to be sincere. (Why would you be leaving if you truly regret it?) Instead, express your appreciation and say that you’ll miss working with them. If appropriate, distribute simple thank-you cards or notes.
• Don't make promises you can't keep and again, don't let them exploit you. But, consider offering to
• Assist in finding and interviewing your replacement
• Help out in your spare time, until your replacement is onboard
• Break in your replacement, even if it means coming back for a few evenings after you start your new job
• Avoid displaying a short-timer's attitude. Conduct business as usual, make sure your office and projects are in order, and try to clear up unfinished business. In other words, try to leave things in the same condition you'd like to see them if you were the boss or your replacement.
• Some of your discontented coworkers might think you're now on their side, and egg you on to criticize the company or other coworkers. If some of your coworkers are shunning you, you might be tempted to join forces with the discontents just for the camaraderie. But it's not a good idea. You never know who you can truly trust, who your next boss might be, or who is eavesdropping just around the corner in the cubicle maze.
• Your management or HR department might ask you for "constructive" criticism. Sidestep this trap, as they might be trying to find out the "real" reason why you're leaving. (Why did they wait until you quit to ask for your opinion?) If they ask why you're leaving, make noncommittal statements such as, "It's a career move." Avoid statements they can read into, such as, "It's a more challenging career opportunity." To those ready to pounce, this seemingly innocent statement might imply that you're not happy with your current job.
• Avoid making statements such as, "I'm leaving because I need more money." For one thing, it implies that you think they're cheap. For another, they might make a counteroffer and if you refuse, you might add to their resentment that you're quitting. Despite how flattering it might be, most career advisors agree it's not a good idea to accept a counteroffer once you've made it clear you want out. They might be making it only to suck you in until they find a cheaper replacement. (Why did they wait until you resigned, to offer to pay you what you're worth to them?)

Sometimes you can kill 'em with kindness, sometimes you can't. If none of this works and you still get the cold shoulder for jumping ship, it’s best to just grin and bear it. Try to avoid pettiness, stay busy, maintain a low profile, and keep your attitude positive and professional. If you display offense or anger, you’ll just supply the enemy with more ammunition. Focus on the excitement of your new opportunity and the fact that you'll be out of there soon. But, avoid boasting about your new job, even if you're dying to rub their faces in it! You might win the battle, but lose the war. Unless your employer is willing to face a lawsuit, it's not wise to give you a bad reference if you done nothing wrong. Don't give your employer an excuse.

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