5 Key Steps for Business Leaders Facing a Resignation This Week 🚪💼

The key thing is NOT to panic. ❌ The first working week of January is consistently one of the top three weeks for resignations. Why? • Sales professionals often wait until their bonuses hit the bank. • Others take the New Year as a time to reflect, reset, and pursue new career opportunities. If you’ve received a resignation this week, you’re not alone. But how you respond will make all the difference.

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Here are our top 5 tips to navigate this situation with clarity and confidence:

 

✅ 1. Take a Deep Breath

Before you react or start a frantic recruitment process, pause and reflect.

  • Why did this resignation occur?
  • What does this mean for your strategy?
  • What kind of person and role will add more value to your team than the one you’ve lost?

This is a chance to rethink and strengthen, not just to replace.

 

✅ 2. Show Gratitude and Grace

Even if the resignation feels inconvenient, recognize and appreciate the contributions of your departing team member.

  • Why? Because your response reflects your leadership style.
  • How? It preserves goodwill and leaves the door open for future collaborations.

The world is small—you never know when your paths may cross again.

 

✅ 3. Communicate Transparently

Don’t leave your team in the dark. Address the resignation promptly and with a clear plan:

  • Frame the departure as an opportunity for growth.
  • Reassure your team about next steps and continuity.

Transparency fosters trust and prevents unnecessary speculation.

 

✅ 4. Be Strategic About Recruitment

Recruitment isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about solving for the future.

  • If the role requires niche expertise, be deliberate in your approach.
  • Avoid low-cost or high-volume methods that focus on “quick fixes.”

Instead, explore strategies that deliver quality over quantity, ensuring you find the best fit—not just the fastest option.

 

✅ 5. Consult External Experts

Partner with an Executive Search consultant or recruitment expert.

  • They can provide market insights and data to guide your decisions.
  • They’ll help you avoid “knee-jerk” hires that solve short-term issues but create long-term challenges.

Remember: a resignation may cause short-term pain, but a thoughtful hiring process will set you up for long-term success.

 

Every resignation is a chance to refine your team, your strategy, and your approach to leadership. Use this moment wisely!

 

 

About the author
Doug Mackay
5 min read

Having started his career in Executive Search in 1998, Doug set up Collingwood in 2005 alongside his wife, Claire Mackay.

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