By Peter Kamuri
Very few people can look their bosses straight into the eyes and say 'I want to quit.'
In fact most people would rather put off communicating the decision until the very last minute.
Even the most seasoned employees find it difficult to inform their boss that they have decided to leave, or have taken another position in a different company.
And on the other hand, these are the last words any boss wants to hear, especially from trusted and reliable workers.
People have varied reasons for wanting to leave their jobs.
It could be redeployment through promotion, moving to another department or company. Others just want to resign and try something else.
But experts say your boss should be the first person to know when you are planning to leave.
While many employees will hide the information until the last minute, it will be hurtful to the boss to hear the news from someone else.
So how do you tell your boss that you want to leave?
Millicent Odongo, a career expert says people should never burn bridges as this can hurt your career.
Adequate details
"Start by establish the reasons why you want to leave before you walk into your boss’ office to tell him about your decision. Leaving or resigning without giving adequate details can be viewed negatively," she says.
"Then you must also anticipate the possible questions your boss is likely to ask you. Why are you leaving? Where do you want to go? If the reasons you have leaving are addressed, would you drop the plan?" adds Odongo.
But Odongo also has a word of caution.
"Always try to keep the decision to leave to yourself. Informing other colleagues about it may have negative consequences, especially if the deal fails to go through or the company makes an acceptable counter-offer that may be hard to resist."
Career experts advise people to give your employer adequate time before they leave.
Ambushing him with the news "I want to leave’ or ‘I want to resign’ can be devastating as the company needs time to shop for somebody to replace you.
In other cases, you may be required to induct a new employee on what your job entailed.
"Avoid communicating your decision through a telephone call, Short Text Message (SMS) or e-mail. Arrange for a face-to-face meeting where you will be able to communicate your decision amicably. This a good way of showing that you respect your boss and the decision you are communicating is sound," Odongo adds.
Frank and polite
"When you meet your boss, be prepared, frank and polite as you communicate your decision. Have an open mind as he may want you to have a discussion about your decision with him. Do not forget thank him before you leave," she adds.
She advises people to be wary of bosses who can scuttle your plans.
"Do an assessment to establish what kind of a boss you have and if he is likely to be appreciative about your career decision to move, you can open up to him."
"Conversely, if you suspect your boss is likely to be uncooperative and act as a saboteur, timing is important and contacting other line mangers first for guidance may be advisable. However, nobody should stop on your way when you have made a decision to move as this may stagnate your career growth," says Odongo.