When we make significant career choices, it is possible to really get in touch with what it is that motivates us. These can be both pull and push factors. I had really enjoyed my career with one of the largest and most successful FMCG multi-nationals in the world, working at country, regional and global levels with a large number of talented people. Unfortunately, it did not surprise me that the exit interview was an on-line questionnaire with no feedback.
So, I chose to record my own responses. I want to hold myself to account to both take what this organisation was great at, and to remind myself to act in the way I wish it had.
1 Please describe any issues or areas of dissatisfaction concerning your departure that you felt were NOT covered by the questionnaire you just completed
I was uninspired by the leadership I witnessed in the center, from VP upwards. "The Company" is a very empowering culture, which gives great freedom at lower levels.
I think there are two outcomes:
At higher levels, it feels like leaders are not ready to direct and coach when necessary
Despite the empowerment, there seems an unwillingness to make tough business calls, and I witness too many VPs blame leadership above them.
2 Please describe why you left the organisation. Try to think of more than one reason, and list these in order of their impact. You may like to describe general issues or more specific incidents
- Time for a new challenge. In today's fast changing world I don't think one organisation is for life. Even if you don't leave, you might get sold off in the next restructuring
- Lack of inspiration in the leadership (see no.1)
- Lack of effective coaching from line manager
- Despite feeling rewarded with promotion and role, financial reward felt stingy
3 Please describe any suggestions you have for improvements, particularly those that might have influenced you to reconsider your departure.
- Braver more inspiring leadership and action from "The Company"
- Distinguish (in reward) more between your best and average
- Stronger development of potential leaders - give them tough assignments but with the reward and coaching required
- Recognise that leadership and people development is part of the day job, not an extra
- Do less, lead more
4 Finally, please describe what you enjoyed most about working for the organisation, and what you will miss the most. Try to think of more than one thing
- A truly global company - embracing different cultures and backgrounds in a fun way
- An ethical company; it might be 'just' product but I was always proud of checking the aisles
- Solid training at the management development level
So, I chose to record my own responses. I want to hold myself to account to both take what this organisation was great at, and to remind myself to act in the way I wish it had.
1 Please describe any issues or areas of dissatisfaction concerning your departure that you felt were NOT covered by the questionnaire you just completed
I was uninspired by the leadership I witnessed in the center, from VP upwards. "The Company" is a very empowering culture, which gives great freedom at lower levels.
I think there are two outcomes:
At higher levels, it feels like leaders are not ready to direct and coach when necessary
Despite the empowerment, there seems an unwillingness to make tough business calls, and I witness too many VPs blame leadership above them.
2 Please describe why you left the organisation. Try to think of more than one reason, and list these in order of their impact. You may like to describe general issues or more specific incidents
- Time for a new challenge. In today's fast changing world I don't think one organisation is for life. Even if you don't leave, you might get sold off in the next restructuring
- Lack of inspiration in the leadership (see no.1)
- Lack of effective coaching from line manager
- Despite feeling rewarded with promotion and role, financial reward felt stingy
3 Please describe any suggestions you have for improvements, particularly those that might have influenced you to reconsider your departure.
- Braver more inspiring leadership and action from "The Company"
- Distinguish (in reward) more between your best and average
- Stronger development of potential leaders - give them tough assignments but with the reward and coaching required
- Recognise that leadership and people development is part of the day job, not an extra
- Do less, lead more
4 Finally, please describe what you enjoyed most about working for the organisation, and what you will miss the most. Try to think of more than one thing
- A truly global company - embracing different cultures and backgrounds in a fun way
- An ethical company; it might be 'just' product but I was always proud of checking the aisles
- Solid training at the management development level
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