Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Do you risk losing the goodwill and relationships you’ve built over years? What if you make a wrong move and it doesn’t work out? How do you decide?

One of the most common questions we get asked is “Should I stay or should I go?”

Women tend to stay in companies longer than their male counterparts (though with ‘The Great Resignation’ women are leaving faster than ever before).

Career mobility – the ability to change roles whilst being promoted internally – is a key strategy to support women in their rise to the top. But what if your route is blocked? Or you recognise that you are growing stale and frustrated? How do you decide what to do next?

Post-pandemic, global economies are currently experiencing ‘The Great Resignation’. Women are more likely to be looking for a new role than they were a year ago. Nearly 40% of women actively looking for a new employer cited burnout as the main reason.

Here are three questions to think about before making a decision.

1 Are you trying to escape a problem that will follow you?

Deirdre Mahlan, on her last day before retirement as President of Diageo North America, told us about a time when she was tempted with a new role. Her mentor challenged her to fix where she was first, before moving. She was honest with her manager and it resulted in a broader, more challenging role. When she did finally move, it was for the right reasons.

2 Are you clear as to what you want next?

The key here is knowing your personal purpose and desired legacy (impact). 80% of those we speak with are unclear. To get clear – identify your perfect next role. Write down your desired job title, job role, the types of problems you want to solve, the culture (vision, mission, people, values), location and package.

3 If you are tempted by a role – does it align with what you want?

Take the time to do your research and be honest with yourself about the fit. Check in with mentors, or with some leaders who already work (or have worked) within that organisation.

WeQual Global members will be meeting to engage in honest conversation with other women leaders in a similar position: The Great Resignation.

Thanks to our Guest Contributor:

Mark Bateman

CEO, WeQual

CEO, entrepreneur, Executive Coach, and best-selling author of the book 'Disruptive Leadership: Using Fire to Drive Purposeful Change'.

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One of the most common questions we get asked is “Should I stay or should I go?”

Do you risk losing the goodwill and relationships you’ve built over years? What if you make a wrong move and it doesn’t work out? How do you decide?

Women tend to stay in companies longer than their male counterparts (though with ‘The Great Resignation’ women are leaving faster than ever before).

Here are three questions to think about before making a decision.

1) Are you trying to escape a problem that will follow you?

2) Are you clear as to what you want next?

3) If you are tempted by a role – does it align with what you want?

Take the time to do your research and be honest with yourself about the fit. Check in with mentors, or with some leaders who already work (or have worked) within that organisation.

WeQual Global members will be meeting to engage in honest conversation with other women leaders in a similar position: The Great Resignation.

Not a menber? Join today* > WeQual Global Membership

* All new members who join in June 2022 will be entered into a draw for a package of three complimentary Executive Coaching sessions worth £3,000 / $3,700.