These days, it’s rare to meet someone who’s been in the same
position for his or her entire career. While most of us understand that
transitioning to another role is a near-certain eventuality for any
professional, we often forget the fact that bosses move on, too. The
following advice should prove handy when your fearless leader decides to
jump ship.
Image by SEVG and Nbenbow (Shutterstock).
It’s disruptive when anyone resigns from his or her post,
but especially so when the head honcho is involved — after all, he or
she was holding the group together, right?
In my 14 years of having bosses, I’ve seen a fair number
move on to greener pastures, and I’ve picked up a few dos and don’ts to
help get me through (and even see the opportunity for greener pastures
of my own). If your boss has put in his or her notice, remember these
guidelines over the next two weeks.
Don’t: Panic!
I’ll never forget the first time one of my bosses resigned
to start his own business. (Back then, we called it “retiring” whenever
someone got the entrepreneurial bug.) While I’d think nothing of it now —
I’ve seen plenty of bosses and colleagues do the same over the years —
it was pretty upsetting at the time. I immediately assumed something was wrong with the company
and that his departure was a sign of trouble. Was my job at risk? Were
our benefits being cut? Was the company’s reputation taking a turn for
the worse?
While it’s natural — and smart — to consider all these
things whenever a major player hangs up his or her cleats, don’t let it
get the best of you. Remember, bosses are people, too, and it’s totally
normal that they will find other opportunities to pursue in their
careers. And panicking about what you don’t know — or don’t have control
over — isn’t going to help you move forward.
Do: Investigate (Discreetly)
That said, sometimes, there is trouble in paradise when a
senior person bolts. For example, when one of the founding partners of
my firm suddenly “retired” after spending the past decade growing the
firm, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something going on besides
his sudden interest in sailing around the world.
So, doing a bit of covert research can help keep you
informed and prepared. Whenever possible, go straight to the source for
information (as, in, try to get the story from your boss, not from the
rumour mill). If that’s not possible — or plausible if you have limited
access to your manager — you’ll need to do a little investigating.
Ask around the office, but try to limit your questions to
more senior-level individuals you respect. Express your regret to see
your boss go, as well as your best wishes on his or her next endeavour.
Then, casually ask if anyone knows where your boss is headed. The answer
could tell you a lot about not only where he or she will end up, but
how those in the know may feel about it.
While there’s no guarantee you can depend on this
second-hand information as fact, getting a sense for your colleagues’
take on your bosses departure may give you a hint if there’s trouble
ahead (and you should be looking, too) or if you can start planning a
farewell happy hour in good conscience.
Don’t: Take it Personally
Several years ago, when one of my favourite bosses resigned,
I took it really personally. We’d built up a great working relationship
over the years, and she’d become a valuable mentor for me. When I
discovered she was leaving, I was crushed. I even selfishly wondered,
“How could she do this to me?”
While it’s totally fair to feel bummed — even deserted —
when your boss moves on, remember that any decision to leave a job is
complicated, personal, and rarely taken lightly. While your boss
probably considered how the team might be impacted, at the end of the
day, he or she had to do what was best. Share your support and
excitement for your boss’ new endeavours and suggest you both keep in
touch. Creating a positive last impression will show your appreciation
for your boss’ leadership and start the foundation for a continued
relationship down the road — wherever you both end up.
Do: Step Up Your Game
Although losing a boss can be a challenge — both
professionally and emotionally — there is a silver lining. After all,
whenever a team changes its roster, there’s an opportunity for you to
step up your game.
If possible, take your future-former-boss out for coffee and
pick his or her brain about what the team needs from its next leader.
Solicit feedback about your own performance, and see where you may be
able to help fill those needs. (In my experience, folks who are on their
way out are much more open to honest discussions about their work — and
yours — when they know they don’t have to run into you in the elevator
every day for the next year.)
Also, don’t be afraid to share your ideas and offer
suggestions on how you’d like to contribute to the company in the future
— your boss may be able to transition some of his or her
responsibilities to you or suggest to others that you’re up for taking
on more.
If your boss is jumping ship, just remember to keep calm and
carry on, get the facts from trusted sources, keep from taking it
personally, and always use the situation as an opportunity to step up
your own game. With a calm head, respect, and killer work ethic, you’ll
show the higher-ups what you’re made of and prove you can be depended on
to help ease the transition to a new boss. (And who knows? That new
boss could be you!)
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