So my boss is transferring to another agency in less than three weeks and its up to me to make this transition smooth. Because let’s face it, he’s got one foot out the door and we’re an office of just three people (including my soon-to-be-gone boss). We’re responsible for 300+ civilians and all of their associated HR/personnel functions and processes which are needless to say very complex and complicated. Did I mention that I have been management directed to this position about 60 days now to help relieve the burden of all of this work? And NOW the guy who requested my detail is leaving himself? And the position I have been detailed FROM is now dissolved unofficially? Talk about a sour pickle! So here’s my thoughts for any of you who is in a similiar situation where someone (perhaps you) is transitioning out of your office and leaving folks behind:
1) Tell your co-workers ASAP. Sure, you want to provide notice when the selection is official but provide as much advance notice as possible. This will affect your co-workers directly and VERY QUICKLY. It’s only proper.
2) Schedule a turn-over with someone in your office/team BEFORE you transition and not on your last day in the office. This should be thoughtful and helpful to whoever is receiving it. In all likelihood, your replacement (if there will be one) will not come on board soon enough.
3) Be on time. Yes, you’re almost out of there but meanwhile, if you’re not on leave, you are still being paid and expected to perform the duties of your position. Be on time to meetings. Be on time for work. Others are still dependent on you. Be considerate.
4) Don’t burn your bridges. You may be leaving this office however this may not be the last time you see your co-workers or your supervisors. This world is much smaller than you think and we are related in one way or another.
5) Keep positive. Don’t poison the well! Regardless of your experiences, there is value to the work going on around you. Don’t try to initiate a mass exodus. Encourage your teammates to continue their hard work. It will make you a stronger person in the end
Right before leaving is arguably the time you’re the most important, as you get ready to take all that institutional knowledge out the door with you! Try to pass as much of it as possible on to the next person (even something as small as the trick to making the copier copy more than one page at a time!), and if you can, leave your e-mail address or some such in case your successor hits some kind of emergency and needs to know how it was handled before.
Caryn Wesner-Early
Totally agree with all these points! Just did this a little over a month ago and doing it the right way is worth the time and effort.