Comments on: Building Bridges on the Way Out

By: SmartBrief on Your Career

SmartBrief on Your Career — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:43:21 +0000

Cross bridges, don’t burn them…

You can leave a good impression in an exit interview by offering ideas or recommendations about how to improve a process or fix a problem, Sharlyn Lauby writes. But don’t ever make comments that are “mean, spiteful” or “bitter,” she adds….

By: Sharlyn Lauby

Sharlyn Lauby — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:34:36 +0000

@Shaun – Thanks for the comment. The world is getting smaller all the time.

@Kathy – I like your use of the word “diplomatic”. Great approach to consider.

@Ginger – Thanks for sharing your story!

@Kirk – Thanks for adding to the conversation. Your point about balancing the good with the bad is sound advice.

@Kelly – Great story and so true! Even when there is a decision to part ways, making sure both people keep their dignity intact is important.

By: Kelly Dingee

Kelly Dingee — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:13:01 +0000

This item is so timely for me – just had a friend of mine – RN supervisor in an ICU have a falling out with her boss and “mutually agree” to leave. She (the friend) was snapped up within 24 hours by another department in the same hospital….but the former manager? They had burned a bridge – there’s something that needs to be said for “mutual respect” when someone terms ….especially if you think you’ll ever need to call on that former employee for information or run in a small professional circle.

By: Kirk

Kirk — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:52:25 +0000

Awesome insight as always, Sharlyn! Most people on the way out really want to make it known that they were unhappy. Burning bridges helps no one. Some of my former co-workers left both positive and negative feedback in their exit interviews. Since then, some of their comments have been taken to heart and changes implemented.

Great advice!

By: Ginger

Ginger — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:06:33 +0000

Well said! I left a company once – it was a super awkward (for me) situation. I hadn’t been there long at all, but another opportunity came along which I could not pass up. My boss was very understanding, but the HR Director was a bit less understanding. I had to do an exit interview, and at first I was nervous about it, but I decided to be completely honest with them. The HR Director asked questions about what they could do when they refilled the position. I shared several suggestions that I thought would make a big difference. Even though she was not happy about having to refill the position, I think she appreciated the feedback.

By: Kathy Clark

Kathy Clark — Mon, 17 May 2010 02:05:20 +0000

I agree, the fact of the matter is most people leave a position because there was something (pay, job satisfaction, culture, supervisor, coworkers, etc) that made them look for another job. And sharing constructive, diplomatic thoughts on how to improve the organization can be a good thing. What would not be good is if the organization asks the question, gets feedback and does nothing with it. That just perpetuates the problem. But definitely, leaving in a positive way is always wisdom. You just never know…… Good post!

By: Shaun

Shaun — Sun, 16 May 2010 21:51:52 +0000

With the way people frequently move to new organizations, you never know when you are going to reengage with a former colleague. Can’t tell you how many times it has happened to me. Taking the high road is always the way to go.