The last two work weeks flew by. Oddly enough, the time it took for me to work out my notice were the fastest weeks ever! I felt like I had so much to do and not enough time to do it.
My friends and coworkers were baffled by the amount of work I set out to finish before leaving my job. I decided to finish writing yearly reviews for each of my 23 employees. I delivered 21 of them. (The two I wrote but did not have a chance to deliver were only with me the last month of the review period.) I couldn’t imagine just leaving my team and my manager with unfinished work.
Maybe I come from a different idea of management and leadership. To me a team is a unit. The team leader/manager is not just the leader of the team but also a member of the the same team. The relationship is symbiotic.
That being said, I felt it was important for me as a member of the team to give the others honest feedback to help them be successful in the coming year.
Plus, I loved the people I worked with. Throughout all the changes that occurred with lightning speed in the corporate climate, the “family” feeling has remained.
These are not the easiest of times. I have been a manager for a decade and during that time, many former employees have called requesting their jobs back. Those that left in good standing and worked their full notice returned. Those that did not, could not come back.
I don’t burn bridges. Jobs are like life. There are ups and downs. But who knows? Something may happen and I may need my job back. I may need references for a new opportunity. Leaving gracefully and with integrity means that if I need to knock on that door again; it won’t be locked and barred. I learned work ethic from my father. It isn’t about impressing your co-workers or manager for him. It is about doing what you know is right.
Michelle says
Your post made me think of that Maya Angelou quote about how people will forget what you’ve said and what you did, but not about how you made them feel. I know it’s not quite the same thing, but people will remember how you treated your job and them. I totally agree with you…it’s about doing what’s right, not what’s easiest.
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AwesomelyOZ says
That is nice of you – you sound like you are a great manager!! 🙂 Those are hard to come by but so necessary for a pleasant and prosperous work environment. I’m very blessed that my manager is very kind and interested in us moving forward and always learning – finding ways to help us advance. I’m sure you will be greatly missed and that you will miss your 2nd family as well. It’s good to know that should you want to return to that job they’d welcome you with open arms. 🙂 Hope you and your family had a great Christmas Holiday and happy New Year Herchel! -Iva
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Herchel says
Thanks, Iva! I actually miss everyone and it’s only been a week.
Alison says
I feel the same way! I did as much as I could at my last job, before I left, and prepared mountains of handover documents. I know that if I was the one taking over, I would appreciate as clean a slate as possible.
And you’re right, why burn bridges? Way to go with your great classy attitude!
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Herchel says
Thanks Alison. 🙂
Gracielle says
Way to leave on top! My mentor once told me that your co-workers will probably not remember the project you were on, or what you did exactly – but they will remember how you made them feel while you were working with them. It’s a small world and you never know when your paths will cross again. Good luck to you on your new role as SAHM!
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