Leaving? Three Steps to Finishing Well
Sunset in Destin, FL; Credit: Emily Giacomini
In last month’s article I proposed a FREEing path through a career transition. After losing a job to a reorganization, I realized I was FREE to Finish Well, Rest, Explore and then Engage in my next commitment. In this month’s article we’ll dig a bit deeper into Finishing Well.
Steps to take in wrapping up at a position or in an organization can fall into three categories:
· Complete projects. How can you leave your projects neatly so the people coming in after you have an easy time picking up where you left them? If someone else isn’t replacing you immediately, your coworkers will appreciate your thoughtfulness as your workload is added to their plates. It can feel good to get dangling projects done (or at least to a manageable stopping point) to support your peers and leave your relationships in a healthy place. This also holds open the door to maintaining friendships with people with whom you may end up collaborating down the road at another organization (or run into at the supermarket!)
· Collect personal items. If you’re choosing to leave and have the flexibility to slowly remove personal items like family photos this will make for a smoother transition if your organization isn’t keen on having you stay long after you share your intent to leave. Regarding files, it’s especially important to be familiar with your organization’s policies as you depart. If you’ve signed an agreement to not share company information, even documents you designed, it’s best not to take anything without permission. Keep in mind that you’ve still got what’s most valuable . . . the creative juices that enabled you to create stellar content in the first place! The parable of the Golden Goose comes to mind. It’s most crucial to have the goose (you in this case!) who has the possibility of laying/creating golden eggs (creative content) in the future.
· Say goodbye. How can you take your leave in a way that reflects well on you and your character? Perhaps sending a farewell note to the team is appropriate, if that fits the culture of your organization. Share a personal email address or phone to let people know you’d welcome hearing from them in the future. Keep it positive, acknowledging them for being stellar co-workers and give yourself credit for your contributions to the team (a little reminder never hurts!) If you worked closely with external clients, you could thank them for the chance to have partnered together so well.
Of course, if you choose to leave an employer voluntarily, you may have a bit more time to Finish Well. However, even if your job ends abruptly, you still have the opportunity to say goodbye to people who made a difference in your time there via LinkedIn, other social media or even a phone call. To the extent possible, keep your interactions friendly and your “bridges” intact, no matter how the parting of ways occurred. You never know when you may cross paths or have the opportunity to work again with one of your former coworkers, so it’s best to keep the door open.
All the best as you Finish Well!