On Leaving Well…

So a week from today is my last official day at Thomas Nelson. How crazy is that? It feels crazy, really crazy. And I am still sorting through my plethora of emotions…sadness, happiness, excitement, fear, optimism, and of course grief.

As I read through the emails, comments and twitter encouragement after my announcement, I was struck by how many people are feeling unsettled in their careers. I think part of that is a tension that we should always live in, after all this is not the place are destined for, this is not our eternal home. But I also think that there is a time to be bold, be courageous and follow our hearts. That there is a time when in fact God is nudging us to make a move.

Once I knew it was time for me to make a move, I began to process through what it might look like to leave well. Because the last thing I want to do is blow-up four years of hard-earned trust and respect. Here are a few things I am learning about leaving well:

1. Have an open and honest conversation with your employer. As soon as you have made a decision about leaving, have a discussion with your boss or HR executive about what it might like for you to leave well. (Now I know that this won’t work for everyone, but I have a feeling you would be surprised at how smoothly this conversation will go if you are open and honest with your employer.)

2. Make a transition plan. Outline current projects and ongoing responsibilities and create a plan to bring them to completion or find someone to oversee them until permanent replacement is found. Try to prevent anything from slipping through the proverbial cracks.

3. Stay in touch. Make it clear that you don’t want to leave them in a lurch. Leave  cell phone numbers and email addresses and encourage colleagues to use them as need arises. Because 9 times out of 10, need will arise.

Have you ever left a job? What other things did you do to ensure you left well?

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Lindsey has a sincere love for her precious dogs Molly and Maisy, a good red wine and the Delta Sky Club.

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