How do you want to be remembered?

I just read " Quitting with Style" from Harvard Business blog. When you quit, it is a decision you have made.  Many people in tobacco control are  (or may) be laid off.  Leaving is not a decision they made...but can you still leave with style?  Here are some thoughts:

1. Take control of what you can.  Do you have a clear understanding of your benefits?  Vacation, sick leave, health care? If not, who do you need to meet with? What is your job search plan?

2. Leave your office and program in the best shape you can.  As you clean up your desk and computer, think about who could use what you have created, how can you pass it on? If information is going to left in your office, how can you organize it so others can find it. Are there things that can and should be thrown away...toss or recycle so no one else has to try to figure it out when you are gone. Create a transition or program closure plan. Share it so your co-workers and supervisors know what to expect.

3.  Leave yourself in the best shape you can
What do you want to take with you? Here are a few ideas:

• Examples of work accomplished for a professional portfolio. 
• Examples of praise, thank yous, quotes from colleagues and people served.
• Your rmost current job description and copies of all performance appraisals.
• A list of references and their current contact information.

4. Stay connected.  Who knows what will happen in the future?  You don't know who you will work with or who might supervise you ( or who you might supervise.)  Think about who you'd like to stay connected with and how to do it.  What about planning a few lunch dates or coffee's before you go?

5. Be intentional about closure. Do you want to have a farewell party so you can say good bye to colleagues?  Sometimes co-workers plan this but there is no reason you can't initiate it.  Do you want to post a message on tobacco talk?  Who do you want to say thank you to and how?

Bottom Line: How do you want to be remembered? People remember last impressions almost as clearly as they do first ones.  Make sure the last impression of you is what you want it to be.

Photo Credit: Flickr: muehlinghaus