The past weeks hove seen much discussion around the issues of "scandals" and resignations. However, I do believe that many people leading the discussion are some what disingenuous. We know that our politicians do not have a history of resignation. Guess what, neither do our business leaders nor the media. Now many business managers have resigned after a year (or years) of disastrous bottom-line results? Our various commodity boards appear to be a permanent fixture despite the performance, year after year. Do they not keep draw down spectacular salaries without any apologies? In the USA when television and radio stations produce poor results either with respect to revenues or audience Programme Directors or Producers resign. What is out track record in Jamaica? The reality is that we do not, at any level, have a culture of principled resignation in Jamaica.

Why Resign?
Offering one's resignation is a statement that you accept full responsibility for what has occurred on your watch. This action also serves to give the person who hired you, or to whom you report a free hand to move the organization ahead in any way s/he decides without your objection or interference. The decision could be to move on without you, hereby accepting your resignation. They could also choose to not accept your resignation. I this case the boss, manager or even Prime Minister would then have the obligation to share with the company or country that your resignation was tendered and not accepted because of the faith that they have in you. This action would still be consistent with "principled" behaviour because this action would serve to shift the focus from the person whose action was being questioned to that of the higher authority.

The Reasons for Resigning
There are three reasons for resigning. The first is as a result of something happening that was less than flattering in an area for which you have primary responsibility. The second reason for resigning is due to the fact that something that you either expected to or wanted to happen did not happen. You expected a significant pay increase based on you spectacular performance. You strongly believe that the organization should be moving in a particular direction and those above you disagree. If you can not work with the decision without reservation you should tender your resignation. The third reason is that you have been made an offer "that you could not refuse".

The Professional Way Out
Search West and Jobstechnical.com suggest that as a professional, you must make your career decisions objectively, free of the emotional pressures you are likely to feel later when being urged to reconsider. While well meaning friends, relatives and business associates will offer advice, you must depend primarily on your own judgment. After all, you are the only one who is in the position to understand all of the implications. Expect your company to be sorry to see you leave and to make some attempt to keep you. At best, their response should be considered flattering, but beset with numerous pitfalls you should not risk.
End your relationship with your employer as professionally as you began it. Your new company will be anxious to have you start, so you should do so as soon as possible, but be principled. Remember that "the same knife the stick sheep will stick goat". A counter offer is really a belated affirmation of the contributions you have made to your old company. Move ahead to your new job with the goal of making yourself as valuable to your new employer as you were to the old.

Guidelines to Resigning Professionally

• Make sure you have your new offer in writing before resigning.
  
• Make sure all tests are complete- drug, background, and psychological tests are becoming increasingly common.
  
• Keep your resignation letter short, simple and positive.
  
• Present your boss with a written letter confirming your notice of resignation.
  
• The notice should typically be two weeks if you are a junior person, but one month is expected if you are critical to the operation. Consult you contract or confirmation letter if in doubt.
  
• Your resignation should be effective immediately. Tell him/her simply that:
  
  • I accept full responsibility for what has happened on my watch; the results have not been as good as I can be satisfied with.
    
  • I have been made an exceptional offer by another firm, and I have accepted it as I feel it is my best long-term interests.
    
  • I appreciate all you and the firm has done for me here.
    
  • I want to thank you for the opportunity of working with you and I hope I can leave with your good wishes."
    
• You have given your best to the job; you will be missed, especially by those inconvenienced by your leaving.
  
• Your boss may be caught off-guard by your resignation.
  
• Let your boss know that you intend to assist him/her in whatever way you can to make the transition a smooth one.
  
• Be prepared to train your replacement, remember that someone trained you.
  
• Keep your conversations simple and concise.
  
• The more you say, the more questions you may have to answer.
  
• Avoid discussion about your new opportunity with your old employer to avoid negative opinions.
  
• Do not justify your personal goals and decisions.
  
• Schedule any transition discussions for the following morning when everyone can face your departure after time to absorb and reflect on the news.
  
• Your boss may want to probe for factors that led to your decision.
  
• Constructive criticism is no longer your responsibility, and carries a high cost which could jeopardize your good references.
  
• You want to be perceived as a positive, constructive individual in the future.
  
• People will remember your last impression.
  
• Remember you will need references in the future.
  
• If you eventually leave the position you're taking now, those references will probably come from your current employer.
  
• Never burn your bridges, people remember!!! Jamaica is too small to risk this.