(MultiCultClassics credits ESPN’s C’MON MAN! for sparking this semi-regular blog series.)
Squeaky Wheel Media Founder and President Anthony Del Monte published an Advertising Age column titled, “There’s a Right and a Wrong Way to Leave Your Agency”—where he lectured adpeople on the importance of showing courtesy when leaving an employer. The author took offense to a staffer bailing out sans the typical two weeks notice. Del Monte’s column appeared in the Small Agency Diary section, which might explain his small-minded thinking. But just in case he’s really ignorant, here are a few counterpoints for the man to consider.
A 2011 4A’s and Arnold survey indicated employees feel no loyalty to agencies. Gee, what could possibly be motivating such a dearth of dedication?
Perhaps it’s the utter lack of respect shown by agencies when terminating people. From bungled dismissals to minimal severance packages, the inhumane treatment is too common these days. Of course, revolving-door leadership, demoralizing politics, inane restructuring and cost-cutting conditions that border on being abusive often precede layoffs. And it all starts with HR drones and talent recruiters who have totally abandoned even the most standard procedures like sending rejection letters to interviewees.
Maybe the effects of historical exclusionary and discriminatory hiring practices have also taken their toll on workers’ spirits. On Madison Avenue, the end results of White privilege mirror White supremacy. Hey, many minorities don’t jump ship without a proper farewell—albeit only because they rarely are invited onto the boat to begin with.
Del Monte should realize it never looks good when bosses bitch about ex-employees. Will someone please offer the man directions to the high road?
There are right and wrong ways for employers to respond when faced with a quick resignation. Unfortunately, Del Monte took the wrong way—and he now has the honor of being the first Latino to grace this special series.
C’MON WHITE MAN!
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