Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

The truth is a great place to start.

"The mission and environment have changed since I came to the organization. The top people and half my peers are new to the group, and they're taking a direction with which I am uncomfortable. I've explained my point of view to them, and I think in time I could convince them that I have the right idea. But I am uncomfortable watching the organization follow a path that's going the wrong direction now, and I'd like to find an organization in which I can contribute more immediately and thrive personally."

Of course, you need to satisfy yourself that the problem is truly with the organization and not with YOU. A talented leader might see if he/she can change the organization rather than leave.

I agree with Mike Goodman 100%.

I would go further by suggesting that in saying what you do in very diplomatic terms, you may in fact find the solution to the problems in your current workplace.

I would caution about those who say they are going to leave. If my experience is anything to go by, you will be the one leaving and they will be the ones wondering why you left. Usually it is the ones who don't say anything that are the ones to watch out for. They are the guys who do things because they have thought it through carefully and weighed up the options. Those who talk don't always have the ability to turn their words into deeds - that seems to be part of the problem you have with the company.

It is a problem that affects all of modern society from dustmen upwards.

Moriarty

NB: no disrespect was implied to dustmen. They do a necessary and often uncomfortable job. M

I haven't been to a company that wasn't at least partially dysfunctional.

One option is to make it look like you are less proactive about leaving (that you are not being pushed out due to the situation, but that you are just being open to new or better positions to pull you away). As such, you may not need to really answer that question (if it even comes up).

Even if you're feeling driven away by dysfunction, the best reason to move is a positive reason, and the best reason to share with a prospective employer is that positive reason.

So, put the dysfunction aside and take aim at the best direction for your career right now. How could a new position advance you in your field? What can you contribute to a new company? These are the sound foundations for creating change -- not focusing on a negative irritation.

This way, if an interviewer asks "Why are you leaving?" you have a genuinely positive response, such as:

-- I'd like to focus more on [environmental engineering, sales analytics, effective customer relations] than I can do in my present role. It's my field and I'd like to do more of it.

-- I'm ready to handle a job that's a step up from my present role.

-- I really want to put my efforts into an organization with (more research funding, a larger customer base, a great brand, global offices), such as your company.

If you have to list a reason for leaving on an HR form that doesn't leave much room for explanation, you might give a very short answer such as one of these:

-- Advancement potential
-- Better location
-- Seeking more challenge
-- Desire to work for XYZ Corp (the one to which you are applying).

Bottom line, if you want to create a positive new situation, then get hired for positive reasons that you value. Avoid making a prospective employer wonder if you're a chronic complainer. Peter's right, every place has its share of dysfunction, so you accomplish nothing if you raise that red flag; but you can accomplish a lot if you set out to create a valuable change.

Good luck!

You are looking to move on from where you are now to expand your experience in a setting more attuned to your skills, experience, and knowledge.

You're looking to join a company where the culture and environment are such that they are more challenging, stimulating, productive, rewarding, community focused ... etc., etc.,.

These points speak of YOU and of YOUR potential and they speak of the places you'll go, not of where you've been or of what you've done.

Good luck with your escape plan. I really hope it works out
for you and that you land yourself a STELLAR position with a company that's well run and that's well positioned for great things.