Ten Reasons Why Candidates That Accept A Counter Offer Rarely Remain In The Business
For The Long Term.
Although a counter offer can be flattering – “wow, they really don’t want to lose
me”, in reality they rarely work out. A major consultancy firm in the late 1990’s
detailed that 90% of employees that accepted a counter offer eventually left the
business within 12 months.
1) The main reason is that you’ve demonstrated disloyalty by attending interviews
and investigating other opportunities. In the back of your boss’ mind it is likely
that your loyalty will forever be in question.
2) You’re going to have to work hard to win back you boss’ trust. Because you have
deemed to be disloyal often candidates suddenly find that key accounts, training
and progression opportunities go to their team around them
3) By investigating other opportunities you have stepped over a psychological line
and you’ll struggle to get back the passion and pride that you once had for your
employer – whatever the improved pay is like.
4) You may receive an enhanced package today but it’s unlikely that you’ll also receive
the annual pay rise next year
5) Because counter offers are often made to simply cover the short-term whilst plans
are made to replace your responsibilities.
6) Employees rarely leave a business purely for money – the reasons behind your resignation
still remain
7) Where does the budget come from to pay for this enhanced package? Often sales
targets are reset exponentially to cover this and you’ll never be able to reach your
sales targets and accelerated commissions again.
8) You have now revealed to your company the reasons for your unhappiness – will
this change?
9) Your colleagues will look at you differently and often your boss will use you
as a ‘trophy’ and boast how they convinced you to stay
10) If times get tough the cutbacks often start with the disloyal employee!
Four Ways To Counter A Counter Offer!
1) Expect to be counter offered and role-play
in your own mind how you will react to various scenarios
2) Also visualise what life will look like in 12 months if you decide to stay – will
the reasons why you’re looking to leave be alleviated by more money?
3) Write down the reasons why you are looking to leave and the reasons why you are
looking to join a new employer. Discuss this through with a trusted friend or colleague.
This will help enforce your reasons for deciding to move on.
4) Upon receiving the counter offer, explain that you’re flattered but your decision
has been made.
Remember that counter offers are usually a reactive tactic to delay the short term
pain that your employer will experience or to bridge a gap until they replace you!
Thank them again for the enjoyable time you’ve had in their employ but politely
decline – whatever the offer!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this advice sheet and found it useful. Congratulations
on securing your new role and very good luck with the next stage of your sales career.
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