Getting a Counter Offer-Don't Do It!

Matthew Henry, the 17th century writer said, "Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine shiny colors that are but skin deep." The same can be said for counteroffers, those magnetic enticements designed to lure you back into the nest after deciding its time to fly away.

The litany of horror stories I have come across in the years as an Executive Recruiter, Consultant and publisher, provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counter offers should never be accepted . . .EVER!

I define a counter offer simply as an inducement from your current employer to get you to stay after you've announced your intention to take another job. We're not talking about those instances when you receive an offer but don't tell your boss. Nor are we discussing offers that you never intended to take, yet told your employer about anyway as a "they want me but I'm staying with you" play.

These are merely astute positioning tactics you may choose to use to reinforce your worth by letting your boss know you have other options. Mention of a sure counteroffer, however, carries an actual threat to it.

Interviews with employers who make counteroffers and employees who accept them have shown to be as tempting as they can be. Acceptance may be CAREER SUICIDE! During the past twenty years, I have seen only isolated incidents in which an accepted counteroffer has benefited the employee. Consider the problem in its' perspective.

What really goes through a boss's mind when someone quits?

§ "This couldn't be happening at a worse time."
§ "This is one of my best people. If I let him/her quit now, it'll wreak havoc on the
morale of the department.”
§ "I've already got one opening in my department. I don't need another one right now."
§ "This will probably screw up the entire vacation schedule."
§ "I'm working as hard as I can, and I don't need his/her work, too."
§ "If I lose another good employee, the company might decide to "lose" me."
§ "My review is coming up and this will make me look bad."
§ "Maybe I can keep him/her on until I find a suitable replacement."

What will the boss say to keep you in the nest? Some of these comments are very common.

§ "I'm really shocked. I thought you were as happy with us as we are with you. Let’s
discuss it before you make your final decision."
§ "Gee, I've been meaning to tell you about the great plans we have for you, but it's all
been very confidential up until now."
§ "The VP has you in mind for some exciting and expanding responsibilities."
§ "Your raise was scheduled to go into effect next quarter, but we'll make it effective
ASAP."
§ "You're going to work for who?"

Let's face it, when someone quits it's a direct reflection on the boss. Unless you are really incompetent or a destructive thorn in his/her side, the boss might look bad by "allowing you to go. His/her gut reaction is to do what has to be done to keep you from leaving until he/she is ready to let you go. That is human nature.

Fortunately, it's also human nature to want to stay unless your work life is abject misery. Career changes like all ventures into the unknown, are tough. That’s why bosses know they can usually keep you around by pressing the right buttons.




Before you succumb to a tempting counteroffer, consider these universal truths

§ Any situation in which an employee is forced to get an outside offer before the
present employer will
suggest a raise, promotion, or better working conditions, is suspect.
§ No matter what the company says when it is making it’s counteroffer, you will
always be consider a fidelity risk. Having once demonstrated your lack of loyalty (for
whatever reason), you will lose your status as a team player and your place in the
inner circle.
§ Counteroffers are usually nothing more than stall devices to give your employer time
to find a replacement for you.
§ Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Conditions are just a bit more tolerable
in the short term because of a raises, promotion, or promises made to keep to you.
§ Decent and well-managed companies don’t make counteroffers, EVER!! Their
policies are fair and equitable. They will not be subjected to “counteroffer
coercion” or what one may perceive as blackmail.

IF THE URGE TO ACCEPT A COUNTEROFFER HITS YOU, KEEP ON CLEANING OUT YOUR DESK AS YOU COUNT YOUR
YOUR BLESSINGS!!!!