Parting Ways

It is inevitable. It is usually not comfortable. There is always more than what is seen on the surface. So as a leader, how do you manage an employee parting ways? Well, it depends on the exact circumstances which are numerous. But one thing must remain consistent no matter what the circumstance or how hard it may be—your behavior.

Parting ways is never easy. It may be positive, it may be necessary, it may be a loss and it may impact you greatly. Your emotions will be tried and tested. But you are a leader. That means you have taken on a responsibility that is not for everyone. It means you agree to lead your team with consistency in your decisions as well as your emotions. You need to lead by example and show your team that no matter what the circumstances, you will be calm, calculated, and deliberate in your decisions. Whether going through a crisis or a parting of ways, the expectations for a leader remain the same.

It is critical that even if an employee is parting ways and leaving a sour wake in their path you stay the course. You will have many opportunities to respond to comments, questions, or unjustified allegations directed your way, but you can’t. You keep confidential business confidential. You don’t lead interested parties on with underlying suggestions. You simply respond that the departure is unfortunate, because no matter what the circumstance, it is. You never bad mouth anyone and you sincerely wish them the best.

As leaders, we will be presented with many opportunities to protect ourselves and our reputations by responding to folks seeking the scoop. But you have to overcome these temptations and trust that not responding is the best response. Your positive response or lack of will determine and protect your reputation much more than any justifying response you could offer. What you say is short term, how you behave is long term.