Interested to get some thoughts on this.To provide some context, I am on the only person in the business with my specialist knowledge, and am in a senior role. That said, due to a mix of different circumstances, my few direct reports have either left the business or are in the process of leaving. I am the leader of the BU, and the only one remaining.I intend to resign and launch my own business.I am anticipating an extremely unpleasant reaction from my line manager - any thoughts on how to handle this?

First, check your contract for restrictive covenants or non-compete type clauses.Then just be honest with him. Let him know your concern about the shrinking team and so on. I wouldn't be negative about it, just give minimal information. You're in the business of helping people change jobs so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to him when his own colleagues do it too. As for starting your own business - I'd be inclined to try and avoid mentioning that. Just say you need some time out to consider your options or travel or whatever. Frankly it's none of his business, especially if he's likely to react negatively.But maybe be a bit apologetic and try to keep it friendly. Bite your tongue if you need to...

thanks Bushy - much appreciated.I am expecting an angry response loaded with liberal amounts of character assassination.My thoughts behind mentioning own business was to see if it prompts gardening leave.

Yes, it's a tricky one, that. Mention "own business" and expect bridges to get burnt to the ground. On the other hand, it sounds like they've pretty much fallen down already if the boss is that aggressive.Maybe you could plan a little preamble, without mentioning the business idea, and see how it goes. If you get both barrels, then a strategic retreat might be in order (it's difficult to know whether they would implement gardening leave to protect their interests or block it just to spite you, in which case a default position of staying out of harm's way probably isn't a bad idea!). If the reaction is better than expected, you could at that point potentially mention the business idea as an option you're considering and even suggest continuing to be business associates of some sort. I think however that, with a boss that aggressive, and also working in a business where personal relationships are so important, mentioning the business idea is just likely to lead to them trying to take action to cause problems for you. Even if you don't have any covenants, they'll possibly try and chuck hurdles in your way. Besides, if they don't give you gardening leave, then it gives you time to do some intensive self-marketing and networking under the guise of doing your day job! But definitely check that contract out... make sure you're on solid ground...

[quote]My thoughts behind mentioning own business was to see if it prompts gardening leave.[/quote]One thing to add - you don't say whether gardening leave is a good thing or bad thing ?Answer to this determines approach.Do you want gardening leave ? - gives you time to sort out setting up business, vat, accountant, first contract etc. etc. and get paid for it by old firm - but you don't want them to apply the restrictions - then come up with another excuse to get gardening leave - I can think of joining a competitor - or considering that as a starter for 10 - might only apply restrictions to competitors not an organisation that doesn't even exist. When setting company up (assuming you haven't done this already) means you can specify the type of work (i.e Consulting as opposed to Employment agency services etc)If you don't want gardening leave but to get out asap - then a different strategy could be the emotional one - your hamster dies, burn out, cant go on or one that suits your life style and believable - fallen in love with 18 year old Thai girl and need all the energy you can muster I think BEP used once :-)As BEP says bite your tongue and do what's right for you. Whichever is the path for you good luck !DC

Mars in all your posts you come across as knowledgeable, switched on and know what you're talking about. I've always been of the opinion that any boss who reacts in that way when staff hand their notice in are at best of low self esteem and confidence - doesn't my member of staff like me?! Or at the worst just a horrible individual determined to score some points over you. If he/she reacts in this way then it says much about you than it does him/her. A wise former boss advised me not to let the actions of others manage your behaviours. At least then you can leave your job with your head held high. As the others have said, be very clear with the legalities of your contract and the restrictive covenants. Also have a list of contacts that you want to get to before your boss if he/she is determined to bad mouth you. Good luck!