Parting Shot.

Steven Slater works for text company Toktumi as the official spokes person for crazy airline stories, texted in by passengers who then win prizes for the wackiest story. Steven you may recall, finished his flight attendant career with JetBlue in 2010 by grabbing a six pack, deploying the emergency shute, giving the finger and sliding into the sunset, after an obscenity laced tirade aimed at his customers on flight 1052. In two years time, will people be asking whatever happened to Greg Smith?

Greg Smith left Goldman Sachs last week, concerned over the direction of the company, concerned the company's culture had gone haywire and concerned the company was putting its own interests ahead of its clients, ala Gordon Gecko. Valid concerns for any employee and cause enough to look for another employer. Resigning in the modern way, by email, Greg took it upon himself to publish his feelings in The New York Times, 15 minutes after sending his resignation email. Of course the Times article included juicy elements and finger pointing, to which Goldman Sachs took offense, giving Greg the lead in the race for the 2012 Steven Slater trophy for parting shots.

Following close behind is James Whittaker who's parting shot on recently leaving Google, described a company praised for its innovation in the beginning which now had a corporate mandated focus as an advertising company. We've all been there, or we know someone close who has and it's the worst place to be if you think you have more to offer but the company doesn't see you. It's the choices you make in these situations that distinguish your character and give credence to your brand image, ever after.

Maybe it's the new social landscape and new communication channels that are giving employees more scope to relay their message? Maybe it's finally having a voice that can reach so many more and maybe it's something that companies will need to consider with departing employees? After all, how many exit interviews go from HR to senior management and if they do, how many are acted upon if major flaws in company culture, corporate direction or employee issues are identified? Today's buoyant employment market gives employees scope to move around and the social media channels give them scope to comment if they feel disengaged and disconnected enough. Companies need to be aware that lack of respect for employee departures now have a significant downside if not handled properly.

The above are options for any employee but considerations and common sense questions need to be asked if you are contemplating a meltdown in print. Do you like the industry you work in and do you want to continue working in that industry? Do you really "hate" someone or are you just emotional and some distance would give you clarity in the choice you are about to make? Do you understand your own brand and what permanent damage can be done by scathing attacks on former employers?

You always have a choice on how you leave and it says more about you, if you choose to do it with integrity. Like a divorce that started out a wonderful marriage, leaving a company should be about what was good and what attracted you to begin with. That way you take only the best with you where ever you go, people will welcome you with open arms and they won't be asking what ever happened to so and so, two years later.