29 Mar2015
Compromise Agreement – They want you out, no notice, just out ! Time up !
I had a call late one evening last week from a contact. For obvious reasons, I can’t go into any detail because of confidentiality. I do however want to share the emotion and content of the call in order to help others who might find themselves in a similar situation one day.
After establishing that all wasn’t great for my contact, I listened carefully to his immediate problem, frustrations and dis-belief.
“I need a job now !” he said. Explain the situation I asked. “Well, it’s pretty simple really. I was called into a meeting with my boss, who said, “What I am going to say, will be a shock”. This is your last day. I am under instructions to ask you to leave our business. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that we don’t think that you’re fitting in.” What, after 26 years, I said.
Obviously things have changed within the business and this contact’s face doesn’t fit anymore.
More often than not, these situations are incomprehensible. One cannot understand why such action, such immediate and devastating action, is being taken and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to rectify the position. Well, there is. Instruct a good solicitor to negotiate the best compromise deal.
Usually, performance has nothing to do with why you’re about to be leaving the company. If the company has any ammunition, you’d be fired without a second glance on some mister meaner disciplinary matter.
Get this in perspective. They don’t want you. Rejection is very hard for some. It has psychological effects, you can lose self esteem and a feeling of fear is central to your outlook.
You may have many financial commitments, you may have a relationship to try to manage through the tough times and if you’re not careful, it can be pretty demotivating all round.
That’s why you have to consider your position carefully and there are no end of HR and Employment Lawyers just waiting to give best advice and negotiate on your behalf. I would recommend Lime HR – Laura Milne. She is an expert in her field.
http://limehr.com/
A compromise deal consists of several parts. There’s the financial bit, which should be tax free in most cases. The reference part, whereby your employer has to give you a good reference – sometimes you are able to write your own reference for their agreement and future submission to employers and a solicitor must be instructed for both parties to formalise the agreement. Usually, reasonable costs for your solicitor are paid for by your employer.
My advice in every situation, differs from one contact to another, though there is a theme. Get the best deal you can by negotiating hard, either directly or via your solicitor. My advice would be to speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything. At least that way, whatever is offered initially, doesn’t have to be re-negotiated when you instruct your solicitor.
Get the anger out of your mind fast. Don’t dwell on things that were said in the meeting. The employer will make up a whole load of bull*** , just to make their part justifiable in their minds. The best way to face this stuff, is head-on. It’s no longer your colleagues at the water cooler, or coffee room, its a business deal. You must get the best you can.
Your bosses have turned against you. You’re history. Get used to it. Now start negotiating with an anger free mindset – that’s not easy. But you must see it from this perspective.
Don’t rush head-first into the next job presented to you. Take a little time to reflect and re-charge your batteries. If you don’t, your going to make the wrong impression at interview. Trust me, I’ve been headhunting for 13 years and it’s good advice.
Make sure that you think about your next role very carefully. Don’t repeat your last experience.
If you use social networking, don’t update your profile immediately. Leave it a short while. If you want to let the world know that you’re looking for something new, then join linkedin.com or update an existing profile to read “Exploring new opportunities”.
Register your CV with the major jobs boards, relevant to your industry. Find some time to work with a CV consultant, just to make sure that your CV is ok. Don’t create over exposure by registering with too many recruitment folk. They will go fishing with your CV and you’ll end up on every inbox around the country, whether the company are hiring or not. Be very careful with recruiters. In fact, don’t trust any. That’s the safest advice. I’ve covered this topic in other blog posts on this forum.
Be positive, think clearly about what you want and how you think you can achieve it. Get onto youtube and watch some videos. Brian Tracy is one of may favourites. He’s a self made millionaire and he has some simple, yet effective advice for all sorts of situations.
Believe in yourself, or why should others.
Good luck.
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