Core Concepts: The Art of Saying Goodbye - 4 Farewells of Leaving Your Job

Knowing Self-Aware Leadership Minimalistical

Hello KSKOers

Welcome to today’s Knowing Self-Aware Leadership ‘Core Concepts’ minimalistical!

I’ve been thinking a lot about how you leave an organisation lately. Probably because I’ll be leaving mine soon. Over the last 6-8 months I’ve been watching people leave my organisation and head on to their next big adventure. It’s prompted me to think about all of the different endings people have had or created for themselves, across my 25 years in work. So, join me on a journey out the door!

You can read the full article here.

Looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!

• Celebrated Exits
  The most memorable farewells are full of warmth: flowers, speeches, shared memories, and a genuine sense of appreciation. These are the departures that feel like a proper send-off into something exciting and new.

• Relieved Departures
  For some, leaving is more about escape than celebration. Whether it’s been a draining culture or an unsupportive boss, the goodbye comes with a deep breath of relief and hope for a better chapter ahead.

• Quiet Goodbyes
  Not everyone wants a fuss. Some departures happen quietly, shaped by personal discomfort, difficult endings, or a preference to slip away without ceremony. And that’s okay — not every exit needs confetti.

• The ‘Lake Walk’
  In some organisations, a casual stroll with the CEO can signal a more serious conversation. These exits are often discreet but decisive — sometimes tied to restructures, performance, or behind-the-scenes challenges.

• Take Time to Reflect
  Whatever the reason for leaving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on your contributions, relationships, and wins. Leaving well means owning your story and taking pride in the journey so far.

• Lessons from Tough Times
  Challenging experiences can teach us a lot about what matters to us — from the kind of environment we thrive in to the leadership styles we respect. It’s all part of growing and moving forward with clarity.

• Leave with Professionalism
  Whether you’re getting a send-off or leaving quietly, finishing strong is key. Tie up loose ends, support your handover, and keep things respectful — your reputation travels further than you think.

• Own Your Goodbye
  However you choose to leave, do it in a way that feels right for you. It’s your journey, and the way you close one chapter shapes how you walk into the next. Leave with intention, not just haste.

The Last Word

Leaving a job is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do it. Whether your exit is joyful, quiet, overdue, or unexpected, how you handle it can shape your confidence, your reputation, and your outlook on what comes next. So whatever the reason for moving on, leave with thought, care, and your head held high, the next stop on your adventure is waiting!

Nia is an expert leader who talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership every single day in her role as a Director in a Children’s Charity.

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