Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose – author of the business and time management books TimePeace: Making peace with time – the The Book of Answers: 105 Career Critical Situations – and I am a business and efficiency coach that specializes in time management, project management and work-life balance strategies.
Today’s question comes from a busy professional:
I’m searching for career expert that will answer this question: “When someone has accepted another position and preparing to leave their current job, what is the best advice you’d give them?”
There are several ways or reasons to leave your current job:
- New job at same company but different department or location
- New job at a different company
- Starting your own business
- Retiring
Remain Professional
In all cases, my best advice is to always remain professional. This means:
- Document all your projects and make all your notes available – so that others can pick up exactly where you left off.
- Leave your number in case they need to consult with you on some things after you leave. (People rarely will take you up on that offer – but it’s really the thought/offer that counts)
- OFFER to contact your clients and introduce them to the person taking over for you This provides your clients a smooth continuity to the new person as well as lets them know what’s going on.
- OFFER to meet with the person taking over for you – to review all your documents, notes and answer questions about clients, etc
- Give 2 weeks’ notice – so that you can do the above transition
The Handoff
Regardless of why you leave, you want to be seen as a valuable contributor – even as you walk out the door. One way to illustrate your value is the handoff. This is where you outline all your tasks, procedures and assets used to do your role.
Unfortunately, more times than not, you will not have an actually “person” to train or prepare for your departure. Many employers fail to identify a replacement until you are long gone. This means you need to be document everything of significance. I recommend you document all the time, while you are in the current job. There may be times when you are on vacation, out sick, or considered for a larger position. Having your hand-off documentation always available allows you to either temporarily or permanently walk away with the confidence that everything will still run smoothly because of your preparedness.
Client Handoff
Contacting your clients and introducing them to the “new person” is another hand-off item. Make sure to check with your supervisors before contacting your clients because some employees prefer to handle that piece differently. But you should always offer because it:
- Illustrates your commitment to your clients
- Put the client notification on the employee’s radar as an important aspect of the hand-off
Giving Notice
Giving 2 weeks’ notice is not as common as in the past. Depending upon the reason for your departure, your employer may choose to release you sooner. But I still recommend it. A 2-week’s notice gives you the time to execute a professional hand-off to co-workers, clients and other assets.
Life is full of twists and turns. You will never know when your paths are going to cross again. Therefore, you want to be professional at all times.
I know your situation is different. If you would like additional information on this topic, please contact LauraRose@RoseCoaching.info
I am a business coach and this is what I do professionally. It’s easy to sign up for a complementary one-on-one coaching call, just use this link https://www.timetrade.com/book/WFSFQ
With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.