“I Quit”—Written on Toilet Paper: A Harsh Reminder for Leaders

It’s the kind of thing you’d think was a joke on social media—until it lands on your desk. A resignation written on toilet paper.

The message? “I’ve chosen this type of paper as a symbol of how this company has treated me.”

Painful. Poignant. Preventable.

In my work as an executive coach to lawyers, executives, and business owners, I’ve learned this: People don’t leave jobs. They leave their cultures.

And too often, they leave without saying a word—until the damage is done.

Here’s how to avoid losing your best employees:

1. Your culture speaks louder than your strategy.

Mission statements and value posters are meaningless if daily behaviors don’t reflect them. Culture is how people feel at work. Do they feel safe to speak up? Respected? Heard?

2. Your managers make or break trust.

The number one reason people leave? Poor management. Invest in developing your team leaders. Give them the coaching, tools, and feedback to lead well—not just manage output.

3. Recognition is not optional.

High performers won’t beg to be seen. If their effort is consistently ignored, they’ll move on quietly, often to your competitor.

4. Exit interviews come too late.

Schedule stay interviews instead. Understand what motivates your top people—and what might drive them away.

5. Don’t wait for dramatic exits to pay attention.

When someone metaphorically (or literally) uses toilet paper to resign, it’s already too late. But their message is worth listening to.

Leadership starts with awareness and builds through action. If you’re serious about retaining talent, it’s time to lead like it.