Question:

I am being asked to resign. I was recently (5 months ago) promoted from a chemist to QA Manager. During mid-year review my boss and myself disagreed on a few goals and objectives for the year. (friendly disagreement). I was also asked to write my opinion on how things were going, so I said ” my boss lacks the desire to run the department and is self centered” After reading the review HR asked me to come to the office and informed me that I lack the “soft skills” that were needed.

I asked if I was not meeting my goals and objectives? HR said that is not the issue (since I have never been written up + my promotion is proof that I work hard). Its just that I lack “soft skills”. I was called in HR and given an letter to sign (already typed up) and retain my salary for end march (which I need because my wife isn’t working ) or (they will still fire me stating restructuring as a reason). What’s really interesting is the HR manager said that before I sign the paper he wants me to know there is no pressure and that I am doing this for my own good. He gave me a week to think, talk to a lawyer and sign . I don’t feel that this was fair and would like to know if there is any recourse.

Answer:

My take is as such – there are things you do and things you don’t. Reducing to writing that your manager is self centered and basically incompetent is something you don’t do (even if its true). This is considered as insubordinate and insolent and in most companies is a serious misconduct. It also damages the internal relationships and trust issues.

This is why you are being asked to resign. If you don’t then they will most probably put you into an enquiry for the reasons I have mentioned and since you have already written your comments its a no brainier that you will be found guilty. Thus its decision time bud. Resign and leave peacefully or go through an enquiry where you will probably be fired and have misconduct against management as a reference.

My tip, never do this again and seek other avenues to vent your frustration. Subtlety is always king.

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