Counter-offers: Take 'em or leave 'em?

In two words: leave them.

Counter offers are tempting for many reasons. They are flattering – especially when they come from a manager above your direct report. You feel not only needed but, finally, appreciated. You get the money or career change you were looking for. And, if accepted, you are not subjecting yourself, and possibly your family, to change – which is always stressful. You won’t have to move, get to know new co-workers or adapt to a new corporate culture. Better the devil you know than the one you don’t?

No.

There are many more reasons to decline a counter-offer than there are temptations to accept one. The key is to analyse the situation logically. Though they may appear otherwise, counter-offers are not personal. The company is acting in its own interest and so should you.

By accepting an offer with another firm you have informed your company that you are not loyal to them – you are a flight risk. The consequences if you accept their counter-offer are many:

1. Your relationship to your boss and co-workers will never be the same.

2. At promotion time your lack of loyalty may cause you to be overlooked.

3. When raises are offered you may find that you received most of yours in your counter-offer.

4. If layoffs take place you may be among the first to go.

5. Ultimately, you are working for the same company and will face the same issues that motivated you to look for a new position in the first place.

You should also consider how your acceptance of a counter-offer would reflect on you, your ethics and your attitude towards work. Your prospective employer went to considerable time and expense to select you and offer the position. Reneging on your agreement would tarnish your reputation and, in such a small community, the word would get around.

Counter-offers are difficult to handle without knowledge and experience. Consider the implications of accepting one. Know that statistics show that you will likely quit within six months anyway. And respectfully quit with confidence.