Leave a Legacy
“There comes a time in your career when you need a new challenge… a new opportunity. You realize that your professional development and your future depend on your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and follow a different path. When the time has come for you to leave... make sure it is for the right reasons. Leave with class… leave with gratitude… leave a legacy!” –Doyle Slayton
Excellent advice
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Right on. Don't be tempted to bash people on your way out- or that will be your legacy.
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I agree entirely with this principal to leave with class and to leave a legacy even when many of those you leave behind may not even know the meaning of the word, much less how to behave with it in these turbulent times!
Rise above it, maintain your perspective, trust in your own ability and leadership and take comfort in the Spanish saying; "a cada cerdo le llega su San Martin".
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Doyle, there was once a time not too long ago, I did just that. I left a position I was VERY successful at. There was no room for movement, not just advancement, but movement altogether so I decided I was going to go in a different direction after taking some time off. I took three months off, learning to play a better game of golf, be a better husband, and be a better father (not in that order). I left on great terms, trained my replacement, answered their calls with questions when they arose after I left, and kept in good terms with all. Three months later I decided to take on a new challenge, developing a startup company in the same industry with two colleagues who I greatly respect. My VERY first day, the old company filed suit. It seemed that when I started five years before, there was a non-compete agreement in the hiring paperwork? News to me, but it was a 50 mile radius and I was only 48 miles out. They spent $190k fighting this non-compete and smeared my name badly in the process. This multi-Billion dollar company felt that my sales skills "could destroy the future of their company" according to their appeal when I won the first round. it is a shame that when you leave on such great terms with such good friends, they come after you with such venom in their fangs. I have since won, but the cost of this victory makes it seem so hollow. Bridges seldom replace themselves and the rebuilding process is never as quick as the construction. Yet, through all of this, your post still rings true, don't be the one burning the bridge or you will be the one everyone remembers as the arsonist.
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Doyle,
I know you almost as well as anyone in this venue and I know you are correct. You are a very young man to have achieved what you have, left the legacy that you did and look forward to the future with such bravado as you do. You have the true entrepreneurial spirit that I personally admire in my SalesBlogcast.com networkers and fellow salespersons. You have an uncanny talent that I admire and it somewhat parallels my life but not at such and early age nor with such gusto. Go forth young man and conquer!!!!
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Very True and apt.
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I have left positions in the past the pursue my passions.
It has affected me greatly - all for the good. "I'd rather be in the arena - sweaty, bloodied, tired, and fighting for my cause than most who sit watching me on their televisions and ipods." - paraphrase from Teddy Roosevelt
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Doyle you are so on the money with this one! This has always been my practice when moving on. My favorite thing to hear is "Melissa, this place just isn't the same without you." Even if you are leaving a position where you have been unhappy it is key to do so with character & integrity. You never know when you will run across your co-workers again and you want them to be a positive force in your future not a roadblock.
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A test to this can be : later if your colleagues still continue to be in touch with you then you have earned the respect which I feel should be the aim.
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This is so true. The world is so small and round. Be proud of your accomplishments and of what you do every day.
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Great article and forward looking passion. Welcome to the "BOAEC Club" You have earned it.
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Sometimes the change needed is drastic, like taking your income challenges into your own hands and setting up your business from home. Only certain people are able to make this kind of transition...partly because of the courage needed and partly because the bank account needs immediate replenishment.
Thankfully, there is a way to gain income quickly. You can read further at www.take10yearsoff.nsedreams.com.
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So true...I was able to go back to an organization with ease one year after leaving on very good terms. No questions asked, open arms. There is simply no advantage to leave on bad terms...none. Great advice!
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That is exactly what I did! Instead of simply "closing out" the traditional way, I still pursued my targets, set appointments, and brought my replacement with me for introductions. I also took them with me to each of my top-billing clients to continue the relationship, vs. following the traditional way sending an impersonal good-bye email! This sends a positive message to the client that the Company truly cares and it also eliminates the possible misconception that I left because I no longer like it there. Never burn your bridges. Instead, make sure that it's strong enough so that you're setting up the next person right behind you for success!
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This is true. Changes are very good in life. These days in this era, we cannot remain idle on the same job. We must go forward and find better opportnities. When opportunities knock at your door ! GO FOR IT....
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Doyle:
You are absolutely right! I left my recent employer to form a new corporation which I am now President of. I strengthened my skills and learned new technologies while working for someone else, but I was ready to be on my own. My ambitions changed and an opportunity presented itself. God cleared my path & made the decision obvious. I just couldn't say no.
We offer a larger variety of services than my former company, though a few services overlap. Our marketing and consulting tools are unique to our company. My hope is we can form a strategic alliance because my former employer is a phenomenal programmer! His graphics artist is an extremely talented designer with a true gift. They have both impacted my life immensely and taught me lots. Though we offer web development, that is one of TWENTY services available to our clientèle.
I wish them the best and much continued success as I do to you and your readers also!
Stephanie Cross, President
The Destani Marketing Group, Inc.
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Rob,
I had the same thing happen to me with another billion dollar company. Even though it was stressful, the best way to look at it is that THEY ARE AFRAID OF YOU AND WHAT YOU CAN DO. That is the way that I look at it. So be strong, and good luck with your startup. I am sure you will do fine.
Mark Secko
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