Resignation - A Negotiation Tool?

Imagine getting into a fight with your partner. Perhaps you are not happy with something your partner has said or done. What do you do next? Do you talk things out or do you threaten to divorce your partner unless they agree to your demands. Even if they agree in the short-term, do you really think that your relationship would be same as before? Same goes with resignation.

I have seen many of my colleagues stomping feet, saying that they will resign from the organisation if their wishes are not fulfilled. Sometimes these demands are justified, sometimes not. Either way, before resigning or threatening to resign have you talked to your manager about your concerns? Have you gotten no support or only empty promises from your manager? Do you feel that there is no scope of things improving in your workplace? If your answer is yes to any of these, please by all means resign.

This applies to managers as well. If you are not able to support your employees during their tenure; don't offer them carrots once they have resigned. Even if they decide to stay, either you will be distrustful of them and always looking to replace them or vice-versa.

Let me make one thing clear. I am not saying that you should never resign. There is no point in staying in an unhealthy relationship - personal, work or otherwise. Once you have decided to exit, that should be your final decision unless there are exceptional circumstances. Most importantly, learn to accept the fact that resignation is not the start of negotiation. Rather, it is the end of it.