So, you’ve decided it’s time to go.
Maybe the role no longer fits. Maybe the culture has changed. Maybe a new opportunity has emerged. Whatever the reason, once you’ve determined it’s time to leave, the next question becomes:
How Will You Leave?
There are plenty of wrong ways to exit a company and only a few right ways.
In many ways, how you leave says more about you than the organization you are leaving.
During my 30 years on a trading floor, I watched lots of people come and go. Some left on good terms and maintained relationships for years afterwards. Others left in ways that damaged friendships, burned bridges and hurt reputations that had taken years to build.
Last Impression
Keep in mind your departure will be the last impression many people have of you.
Even if you’re frustrated with leadership or disappointed by circumstances, you’ve likely built meaningful relationships along the way. The people who remain may understand your decision, but they may also feel some sadness, disappointment or even abandonment. While you can’t eliminate those feelings, you can soften the blow and avoid burning bridges in the process.
And remember…you may need those bridges again someday.
I once worked with a group of employees who left rather arrogantly for a competitor. They made it clear they thought they were moving on to bigger and better things. A few years later, our companies combined and they found themselves right back in our division.
It wasn’t pretty.
Five Ways Not To Leave
1. Leave angry or with an attitude
Don’t make your departure all about you. Venting frustrations may feel good in the moment but it rarely helps in the long run.
2. Leave after a rash decision
Major career decisions deserve thoughtful consideration. Unless ethics or integrity are at stake, quick emotional decisions are rarely the wisest.
3. Leave without proper notice
Whenever possible, give your company reasonable time to prepare, transition responsibilities and train your replacement.
4. Check out months before your departure
Once you’ve decided to leave, continue doing quality work. Stay engaged until your final day.
5. Leave without expressing gratitude
Even in imperfect situations, there are usually lessons learned, opportunities received and people who invested in you. Thank them.
These short-sighted choices often leave lasting negative impressions.
There are better ways.
Five Ways To Leave Well
1. Leave calmly, respectfully and with a plan
Move toward something meaningful rather than simply running away from discomfort. Relief alone is rarely a good long-term strategy.
2. Finish strong
Work hard until the very end. Great professionals don’t coast across the finish line.
3. Protect your relationships
Take time to say goodbye. Write notes of appreciation. Thank mentors, peers and team members who helped you along the way.
4. Prepare others for your departure
Document processes, share knowledge and do everything you reasonably can to set your team up for success after you’re gone.
5. Speak well publicly
You don’t have to pretend everything was perfect. But you can be honest without becoming bitter and professional without becoming negative.
The Bottom Line
You can’t control how your organization responds to your departure.
You can control how you leave.
Make decisions that create fewer regrets, preserve important relationships and protect the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
Long after people forget your title or office location, they’ll remember how you treated others on your way out the door.
In Part 3, we’ll tackle one of the most important questions of all:
What Should I Do Next?
Whether you’re still running hard or ready to downshift a bit, we will talk about how to figure out what to pursue that has more meaning and purpose. Stay tuned.
