Leaving a job gracefully

5 keys to exit on good terms

“Finish well.”

Those words from a mentor kept running through my head when a job that I really enjoyed came to an end more than ten years ago. It was clear there was nothing I could do to change the minds of leadership, as a path had been paved for me to move up to a ‘better’ position elsewhere.

Those final few weeks, full of public and private farewells, were challenging. Looking back now, what a gift those words offered me.

For the most part, I continue to have relationships with those with whom I was close. I was able to launch a new role with a fresh perspective. I learned that every element of my work teaches me, if I’m willing to accept that teaching.

These reflections have come to the surface as I work with a number of folks who are moving on to new roles: some who are quitting for another opportunity, others who are being asked to leave. They want to know the best way to inform a beloved director or leader that they’re taking another position; whether the years they devoted to a company has been filled with mostly positive or hugely negative experiences.

THIS WEEK’S INSIGHT

Leaving a job gracefully

Evan was beaming when he arrived at our session.

So much has happened since we last spoke! I signed an offer yesterday for a role that I never expected would be on the table for me.

He detailed how he was tapped for a position that is right in his wheelhouse, offers him work life balance that he craves and allows him to showcase his skills from day one.

It’s as if they’d seen my vision board! I can’t believe how well matched this role is for me now and in the future.

I so appreciated his enthusiasm. He seemed so much lighter, after spending months evaluating where he wanted to go in his life and work.

The only thing - I know this will shake up my team and leave my manager in the lurch. What do I need to do so that I leave them in a strong place in a professional manner?

We started by exploring the message he wants to share most with his leadership. He wants to make sure he offers enough time to train his replacement. He wants to connect with his team after officially resigning with his director. And he wants to express gratitude for what he’s gained in this role.

We partnered to create a template for how to leave on good terms.

THIS WEEK’S TOOL

5 keys to exit on good terms

1. Tell your boss first with a clear resignation. When you share, go to leadership first. Consider how you want to position what you’re doing and when.
2. Give enough time to complete projects and tie up any loose ends. Offer a minimum of two weeks notice and see how it works to assist with the transition, including training your replacement.
3. Connect with your team and find ways to remain engaged. These are your colleagues and peers. Stick to the position you shared with your boss and provide ways you want to remain connected.
4. Share your gratitude for the time you’ve worked together. You’ve been through thick and thin in this org. Reflect on and share those places where your growth is most notable, because of this job.
5. Hold off on venting about frustrations with your job. You might want to share how angry you’ve been about being passed over for a promotion, or how you believe there was no work life balance. This isn’t the time. Once you’ve cooled off, schedule an HR exit interview.

My takeaway

In hindsight, that decision to finish well all those years ago opened the doors for new opportunities. It was a strategy I’ve used on more than one occasion.

Eventually I decided to pivot and move away from my broadcasting profession of 30+ years. Finishing well meant nurturing relationships that would help me move into this executive coaching profession I now hold so dear.

Whether you’re forced out or decide to move on - you get to choose what you leave behind and what you take with you for the next role.

The future depends on what you do today.

Mahatma Gandhi