In times of change, positive or negative, I always preach professionalism and respect in the process. Of course, my opinion does not always prevail. I’ve been witness to some outrageous parting tactics. One particularly outrageous circumstance is shared below.
 
On a relatively uneventful Friday afternoon I received an email from a gentleman that I’d communicated with in the past on a Recruiter/ Candidate basis.  I, along with 1,214 other people were CC’d (Not BCC’d) on an email that was titled something to the effect of Goodbye (Expletives).

This email started with what had the tone of a somber two week notice, but as the paragraphs went on, turned into an absolute undressing of some very public and high profile executives in a Big Accounting/ Audit firm.  One executive, presumably the departing gentleman’s boss, was accused (in very detailed accounts) of the following:  Racism, Sexism, Male Chauvinism, sexual harassment, (and retaliation for reporting harassment) as well as cover ups, having affairs (in the office) with office staff, all the way down to having horrible bathroom habits and personal hygiene.

Of course, he did not stop at his boss, but quoted very senior executives from Golf Course dialogue that included hateful commentary on homosexuality and varying hateful opinions on Race.  The email went on for at least 12-15 emotional paragraphs and spared no details.  It was one of the most shocking emails I’ve ever read.

Curiously, I scrolled through the CC list to learn that many Senior Executives of the company as well as the wife of the berated former boss were CC’d.  Additionally, names from every major and minor media source in New York and LA, executives from competitors, vendors, and clients.  While the company acted fast to spin this into a “Disgruntled Employee Rant”, I can say confidently that many were stung by this goodbye letter.

This dude obviously had a lot on his chest. If the accusations made were true, then you could argue that it was a justified rant.  Nonetheless, my advice: take the high road and depart respectfully.  People’s actions, positive or negative, inevitably bare the fruits that the actions sow. Allow nature to take it’s course.  Quite simply, good is rewarded and bad is punished.  Avoid staying in a situation that breeds that much anger and venom.  Resolve problems immediately or remove yourself from the situation and find a job that is more enjoyable and in line with your belief system.

Remember, every professional move a person makes is a building block of that person’s “Brand”.  There is a place for aggression in your brand image, but it should be related to your tenacity to finish a project, your fire when making cold calls, your fearless leadership in the face of adversity, NOT in the way you walked out the door unprofessionally.

On the other hand, if you’re leaving your field altogether to start a small business, going on a year long backpacking trip through the Himalayas, trading corporate life for beach bumming and surfing, by all means, get creative and put on a show! Rip em a new one!  And be sure to CC your RecruitingBlogs community on the email!

excerpted from original post by

Tyson Spring,

VP and Sr. Search Consultant

Elever Professional