Bowing Out Gracefully

The vibe can get weird during exits. Heck, it can be emotional even when we are leaving of our own volition. We spend more time with our officemates than with our own families. We share a special history and camaraderie with co-workers. But sometimes we need to move on to the next big thing. Here are three tips for leaving on a positive note:

Create a positive departure story
No matter the reason you are leaving, find a way to state it honestly and without doing any harm. Don’t make the boss look bad. Don’t paint yourself the victim. And don’t be too ecstatic. You don’t want to imply that you cannot wait to get out of this hellhole.

Pass on pertinent information to key people
Your teammates may be absorbing your workload. If so, make every effort to make the handoff smooth and seamless. Update them on all the unfinished issues or projects that will need attention so that business goes on as positively as possible.

Work hard to the last minute
If possible, time your exit conveniently to what is happening in your organization. Offer to work around vacations, tradeshows or busy periods. And maintain productivity up until the very last day.

True professionals exit with style. They take the high road. Leave the low road to the bad mama-jama boss you are leaving behind.

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