Before you leave …

Hate your job? Things at work not going your way? Productivity down? Not earning enough? Thinking of leaving? Here are some job realities you may want to consider.

First figure out the whole why. You need to take a deep look into the situation before you decide to move. What is causing these feelings of unrest, distrust or unhappiness?

Here’s a list of reasons – but don’t just read them. If you’re unhappy at work, list the ones that apply to you and write a “reason why” sentence next to it. Don’t just confirm the reason in your mind; go deeper to discover the reason behind the reason.

Here’s your self “why” test:

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n Belief system failing in product – you don’t think your product is really better than the competition’s.

n Belief system failing in company – you’ve lost faith in the company’s ability to perform.

n Poor service after you sell it – continuing complaint calls are lowering your morale.

n Boss is a jerk – for one reason or another he or she hasn’t earned your respect.

n Poor management – acting in their own self-interest, can’t sell better than you.

n Conflicts with co-workers or management – too much who-struck-John. Politics.

n Poor training – you aren’t getting adequately prepared to sell.

n High turnover – many good people leaving.

n Too much work – you work too hard, and you don’t want to put forth the effort.

n Poor pay – low pay for your effort.

n Poor working conditions – lack of sales support.

n Business hurting – the economy and sales are less prevalent or slower.

And of course the one reason you may have omitted is that it may be you.

Self-test for these: your poor attitude, home-life problems, money problems, drinking or other self-abuse stupidity, your poor sales skills, your poor work habits, poor performance on your part, placing blame rather than taking responsibility and stress (caused by one or many of the above).

Well, that’s an “ouch” test, huh? Did you find your thorn? Did you discover why – or did you already know, and I just confirmed it. So now that your skin is itching with the reality, what are you going to do about it?

I’d like you to consider some deeper reflection first.

When you find your biggest reason(s), ask yourself why three times to get to the bottom of the reason. That would be the real reason.

Let’s say you selected the reason: My boss is a jerk – OK, why? “Well, for one thing, he’s constantly on me to produce.” OK, why? “Well, because he says I’m not seeing enough people, nor am I closing enough deals.” OK why? “Because it’s harder to make sales. People aren’t buying.”

Sounds like it ain’t the boss after all – it’s you.

That’s not a boss issue. That’s a training, sales skills and intensity issue.

All salespeople suffer from two incurable diseases: the grass-is-always-greener syndrome, the moth-to-a-lightbulb syndrome.

Ask yourself: What are you really looking for? If you’re going to switch, will this move you up or forward? Can you fix what you have? What would you really like to be doing? What risks do you take by leaving this job? How will a new job get you closer to your real career goals?

If you decide to leave, don’t leave for the wrong reasons, and don’t leave the wrong way. I have just given you the “why” formula.

Then there’s the “how you will leave” part.

n Leave professionally. Give notice. Tell the truth.

n Leave ethically. Give back everything. Don’t “take” anything with you. Especially customer lists or any trade secrets.

n Leave positively. No bad words or lawsuits. Just peacefully go. Leave with your reputation intact. Leave with a reference.

To leave or not to leave?

My advice is make sure you know the real reason. And make sure you do it in a way that would make your mother proud. •

Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of 12 best-selling books, including “The Sales Bible.” He can be reached at salesman@gitomer.com.

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