How to leave gracefully

You've got the job of your dreams, and tempting as it may be to shoutit immediately that you're off, that might not be the best strategy.You need to plan your exit carefully, both physically and emotionally.Because in a small world, you'll never know whose path you'll cross,or who you'll bump into in the future.

Informing the boss
Obviously the first thing to do, they shouldn't be left to hear fromthe office grapevine. If you think they will try and offer youenhancements to stay, be ready. Of course, if you could be persuadedto stay (and it is flattering to be thought of as indispensable), thatis another option. But if you can't, be clear about:
* Why you're leaving (more responsibility & opportunities, better package)
* What you are going to divulge about the new role (how much detail are you going to go into about what the role is, organisation, structure. If you want to keep things confidential, you'll have to be tactful in fielding questions.)
* When would be ideal to leave. You may have a long notice period to work through, so check your contract. If you have, and three months is not uncommon, try trading with your boss to find a mutually convenient leave date. This could be a natural break between projects or a bank holiday. A date that suits both is preferable - no-one wants someone in post for three months going through the motions.
* Who needs to be told - especially communication to third parties, contractors or stakeholders as there may be contracts or other guidelines to follow. You might also plan for a successor, and if there is need for interimcover. But that might be later.

Communication
Any direct reports should be told next, along with other key contactsand colleagues. Face-to-face is the ideal, but this is not alwayspossible, so choose a method that suits your organisation.

Organisation for the handover
The temptation will be to retain everything, both hard-copy andonline, with annotated notes for your successor. But is thisnecessary? Rather than opt for pages of notes covering everyeventuality, why not talk through some keys issues with the personlikely to be picking things up until some-one new is appointed. And ifthey make their own notes, they are going to be more likely to usethem. You can be helpful and leave your new contact details with them,to offer guidance for the first couple of months if necessary. And finally ...

emotion
Not everyone will think this, but leaving a job where you've givenheart and soul especially over a number of years, can be like theending of a long term relationship - the 'shock' at seeing 'your' jobon the intranet or internal notice-board, brings home the fact you areleaving. So you'll need to detach yourself emotionally. Be ready for the compliments that come your way, and find time to fitin the social side of leaving too.

> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - was taken from Jinfo Support - Linda Emmett has recently moved to a new role in project developmentfor the North Devon and Exmoor Regeneration Company after 12 yearswith the CIPD in Wimbledon <linda@ndexreg.co.uk>.