Shicklegate Resignation & Screwing Up Your Career

In the last 24 hours you may have heard about the resignation letter that’s created a huge buzz online and in newspapers today.

The so called ‘Shicklegate’ affair relates to a London based employee who has written an open letter to his ex-colleagues with some strong accusations about his ex-boss. The letter has somehow been leaked outside the company and gone viral.

I’ve no idea how truthful the accusations made by Kieren Allen are. But I don’t think that’s the point.

The issue being that by taking a ‘parting shot’ at his ex-boss, he has screwed up 2 careers.

The career of the manager he has accused (Greg Shickle) – who, despite any attempts to deny or defend himself – will probably never be able to shake off the story as it’s all over the web. So every time a client, recruiter or future employer “Googles him” – the story will come up.

But Kieren Allen has also screwed up his own reputation, personal brand and career. I mean, how do you fancy working with someone who is watching your every move and then will openly share a letter to the world about you and your colleagues?

The internet, social media and our hyper-connected world provide us all incredible power compared to any previous generations. 

But with that power comes responsibility.

Like any powerful tool, when you fail to act responsibility on the web, it usually backfires and can be very damaging.

Once all the buzz and excitement of this story dies down I think Mr Allen will realize that his letter just backfired on him and that he may end up paying a huge price in the future for his ’15 minutes of fame’ and his desire to get his frustrations and anger out of his system.

Remember – no matter what’s happened:

Never ever burn your bridgesNever say something that could come back and haunt you.And certainly don’t write it and share it electronically unless your happy with the whole world seeing it

Planning To Resign?

And for anyone that’s planning to resign at anytime soon, I’m republishing a blog post below which I wrote a couple of years ago on how to resign the right way. Feel free to share it with anyone you think may need it soon.

And if you know Kieren Allen send it onto him. He may find it handy the next time he plans to resign! 

“10 Tips For Resigning On Excellent Terms”

You finally have the offer letter for the new job and it’s time resign. Nervous, anxious, unsure about handing in your resignation letter?

Here are 10 tips which will help:

1. Be super professional throughout (your integrity and reputation are more important than scoring points)

2. Don’t burn any bridges (you never know when you may need their help)

3. Don’t get personal (“you said xyz” – just don’t go there)

4. Offer to recruit / train replacements whilst working your notice period (your clients and colleagues will remember you)

5. Show gratitude for what your boss and employers have done for you (even if it’s not a great deal)

6. Don’t give into the temptation to take some parting shots (they often back fire)

7. Don’t rise to the bait if your boss becomes difficult (it’s never worth it)

8. Don’t take it personally if your manager reacts negatively or unprofessionally(when they get angry it’s usually about them, not you)

9. Don’t go into too much detail about why you’re leaving them (make it much more about the new challenge and opportunity)

10. Be gracious, polite…..and then go celebrate (you’ll enjoy the celebratory drink much more)

Your boss could one day be your new boss, new client or new stakeholder - or indeed the friend or partner of one of these.

So act and behave professionally to ensure you maintain relationships and protect your reputation – regardless of how others react to your decision.

By Sital Ruparelia

View the original article here