“People quit their bosses, not their jobs.”
How many times have you read or heard that statement? It does make a good argument for companies to hire and develop great leaders.
But don’t you think we’re missing something here?
If you were one of those who quit because of your boss, how’s your new one?
Chances are you ended up with another lousy boss, and guess what? Those bosses you left are still there in their roles—some even eventually promoted—because despite your departure, most of your colleagues stayed and made sure business went on.
Fact of the matter is, those who quit solely because of their boss, without a better opportunity or alternative, have put themselves at the losing end and accomplished very little in making the company do something about their bosses.
Don’t get me wrong, I also felt the frustration of having a lousy manager. I’d be lying if I tell you that most of my job movements didn’t have anything to do with my boss. Early on in my career, however, I discovered that we should avoid making emotional decisions when it comes to our careers. It’s easier said than done but, it certainly is, doable.
Why should we avoid making emotional decisions when it comes to our careers?
- Managers will not change (or get changed) unless he or she chooses to or the organization itself changes. They don’t change just because one or more resigns under their watch. The incompetent ones are even the most clueless.
- The company can survive without you. Yes, your absence may mean the loss of growth opportunity for the company, but let’s also accept the fact that they can survive with one or two or twenty resignations. In fact, some companies even cut down thousands of workers just to survive.
- There are more who stay and they usually carry the extra burden which renders a person’s resignation unnoticeable.
- You lose growth opportunity: the chance to learn patience, resiliency, grit and determination. Character can only be developed and built through adversity, difficulties and challenges. Don’t let you experience kill you, allow it to make you stronger.
- You also lose the opportunity to lead where you are. In another world, you could have filled in the leadership vacuum and be the leader that your colleagues needed.
- You let go of negotiating leverage. When you decide to jump to another company out of desperation, any offer will look good, even if they’re not. As the saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers.
Is it really that hard to believe that our resignations rarely make an impact and that our absence will hardly be felt by the organization, especially in organizations that tolerate the types of bosses that people quit for?
This brings me back again to my point,
“Quit ONLY when you have an opportunity already lined up—better than what you have right now.”
Stay on, endure further, and wait for the right moment. Don’t give in to your emotions just yet. If you want some tips on what you should do while you’re waiting, read on here: Why Moving Up Fast Isn’t Always a Great Idea.
Jeffrey Manhilot is a passionate believer in people and leadership skills development; he invested 16 years, working with local and multinational FMCG companies so that he can effectively help others successfully develop their careers and effectively lead winning teams. His love for life lessons shows in his talks, trainings and articles; and having finished two full marathons himself, he also teaches the power of purpose-driven determination and passion. Apart from his corporate and personal credentials, Jeff also holds an MBA degree from De La Salle University and has also undergone Franklin Covey’s trainer level for the “4 Disciplines of Execution”.
