You'll kill any chance of going back to your company if you act like a jerk when you leave. Tom Shea, a 20-year veteran of the outplacement business, has seen many people destroy their chances of returning to their old company by behaving obnoxiously when they left. Shea, who runs the Florida and Caribbean offices of Right Management Consultants, has four tips for exiting gracefully.
Don't rush it. Forget about giving just two weeks' notice. It will take longer than two weeks for you to wrap up your work -- and for your company to name your replacement.
Resist the urge to vent. Don't deliver a sermon on how the company's lousy strategy drove you away -- even if it's true. You want to be remembered for your contributions, not for your dramatic departure.
Make a clean handoff. If you can't finish your work, make sure that your successor can handle the projects that you've left undone. Leave your phone number and email address with coworkers, so they can contact you if they need help.
Keep in contact -- with everyone. Don't ignore your subordinates when you leave. The person who leads the next high-flying startup might well be the person who delivered your mail.
Coordinates: Tom Shea, toms@rightflorida.com
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