Why Leaders Should Pause Before Accepting a Resignation — Lessons from Olly Kombil

In the ever-evolving world of work, where employee engagement and retention are constant challenges, it takes a special kind of leader to see beyond the paperwork and focus on the person.

This week, PNG Recruitment Box highlights a powerful insight from Olly Kombil (HRM) — a respected HR and hospitality leader known for a deeply human‐centered approach. In his LinkedIn post, Olly shared his philosophy on resignation notices:

“In my journey across HR and hospitality leadership, I’ve come to believe that resignation notices are not just administrative formalities, they’re signals. Signals that something deeper needs attention.”

Rather than immediately processing a resignation, Olly pauses and asks two essential questions:
✔️ Have we done enough to support, engage, and grow this individual?
✔️ Is there a conversation that could shift perspective or restore alignment?

He frames this approach as restorative leadership — not simply managing exits, but exploring what might still be possible. Sometimes a resignation is not so much a departure as a call for recognition, clarity, or meaningful change.

“By not immediately accepting resignation notices, I choose to honor the human behind the paperwork. I choose dialogue over departure. I choose to lead with empathy, accountability, and hope.” — Olly Kombil

At PNG Recruitment Box, we believe stories like Olly’s remind us of what’s at the heart of leadership: empathy, respect, and a commitment to seeing people — not just roles or attrition. In PNG’s competitive talent landscape, these values differentiate organizations that retain people for the long term.

Let’s continue building workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued — before they feel the need to walk away.

🖋️ Credit: Original post by Olly Kombil (HRM) on LinkedIn

#LeadershipWithHeart #HRMatters #RetentionStartsWithRespect #MentoringMoments #AdmiraltyRecruitment #PeopleFirst #LegacyBuilding #PNGJobs #PNGRecruitment #WorkplaceCulture

REMEMBER! When applying for a job, it’s crucial to include a cover letter that clearly outlines your interest in the position and your suitability for the role, along with an updated curriculum vitae. Here are 5 valuable tips on crafting emails that grab attention and get read, as well as advice on structuring your CV to make a strong impression. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your application and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.