STARS: How to Say Goodbye

I have had many transitions in my life: personal, professional and otherwise. Tomorrow is my last day at my current work site and I begin my new role at my new site next week. I sit back and think of the good, bad and in between. It's all surreal. 

I start with as few words as possible. I simply say thanks for the memories, keep in touch, I hope I can use you for a reference and likewise. Showing simple gratitude is very important. 

I then do my best not to place my former colleagues in a bind. I have had to clean up enough messes from people before me and I like to have a smooth handoff.

I believe in staying available but being distant at first. I learned this at the WU. This helps transition better for me. I am not codependent on the folks I have worked side by side with for a while and I can focus in my new role. 

I then begin my new role, taking my lessons learned and playbooks from 25 years of past experience. I go into my role as open and positive as possible, and give it my all. I am then faithful that I am in this situation for good reason and make the best out of it.