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Building Relationships as You Leave Your
Job
Leaving your job can be a positive transition for
everyone involved. You have the power to ensure that leaving your current
employer strengthens your relationship and reputation rather than destroying
it.
Remember the day you started your job? Most likely
you were welcomed with open arms, introduced to co-workers and supported as you
eased into your role. There was an air of excitement and the experience was a
positive one.
And now its time to move on. There is a way to
leave with the same collegiality and positive atmosphere. There is a way to
strengthen bridges rather than burn them behind you. Really!
- Transitions need to be
carefully planned and thought through. It is important to give as
much notice as possible (3-4 weeks for a professional position). Consider
others' vacation schedules and workload distribution. Think through what needs
to be done and develop a transition plan. Your employer will appreciate your
thoughtfulness. After all, you know your job better than anyone else and your
supervisor should welcome ideas on how best to recruit a replacement and
transition your work.
- Feelings need to be
considered as well as the practical aspects of leaving your
employer. As with any ending, there is a
period of shock and grief. Be prepared for this, both within yourself and with
your co-workers, supervisor and colleagues. As we all know, people express
grief differently. One colleague may wish you well, another may express anger
and yet another may burst into tears. Even if you are leaving because of
difficult circumstances, there will be feelings about your leaving. Take time
to listen and talk with your co-workers and supervisor. To exit gracefully,
you will need their support.
- Resist the urge to focus
on the negative. You are leaving for a reason. It is best to focus
on the positive aspects of your employment during your transition time. Thank
the people who hired you and those who mentored and supported you. If you
decide to discuss your disenchantment with your work, carefully plan a
constructive way to do this. It may be that you save your suggestions for an
exit
interview with the human resource department. If you are feeling angry and
resentful about your employment, consider talking it over with family and
friends before resigning. If there are extenuating circumstances, a visit to
an employee assistance counselor, may help you deal with your negative
feelings and plan your successful transition.
- Allow for
ceremonies. With any transition, marking
the ending of a period of employment is important. Allow your co-workers to
have a farewell party for you or go to lunch with them. Gracefully accept
cards and remembrances. Take time to write to those who have supported you in
this period of employment, thank them, and let them know how to contact you
after you leave.
- Organize, Organize,
Organize. Take a moment and think of the person that
will follow you and take over your workload. Organize it, tie up all loose
ends possible, and make your files and notes easy to understand and
locate.
- Transition
relationships. Make a list of your cases or projects,
indicate what is needed next and suggest a transition plan. If you are a
clinician, develop a transition plan for your clients that gives them enough
time to work through their own reactions, involve them in the transition to
the next clinician and, if possible, have a three-way session with the client
and the new clinician. This strategy will work well for any significant work
relationship as well. You have important contacts and it is gracious to
introduce those people to the person who will be taking your place.
- Take care of
yourself. Interviewing for a new position, accepting
it, giving notice at your old position and managing a positive, graceful
transition is not easy. It will require considerable physical, mental and
emotional energy. Allow for a vacation between jobs. Reflect on your last job
and what it meant for you and set some goals for the job that you will soon
start. Make sure you take time to rest and renew your spirit.
- Arrive refreshed at your new
job. Hit the ground
running! They will be ready for you and expect you to be enthusiastic. Make
sure you have the mental and emotional energy necessary to meet new people and
learn new systems. Celebrate your new beginning!
To Reprint this article, contact the author - Elizabeth Rose at
southwestliz@yahoo.com
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