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A key leader in my company resigned. He accepted a position with an outside company. We worked together in passing for a number of years, but we don't have a strong relationship.

What is the best way to say good-bye? Since I don't expect to maintain the relationship going foward is there anything required? People are going to great lengths to shake his hand one final time, so I feel the need to say something (hopefully without stumbling). There is a lot of leadership change right now and the atmosphere here is tough.

I'd classify him has a high C if that helps (and I'm certainly a C).

Thanks in advance for invaluable input!

HMac's picture

Here's my suggestion for your approach:

1) Shake his hand and thank him for something he did for you, some insight he provided, or soemthing specific he did for the company that helped you.

2) Send him a personal note or card at home wishing him success, and expressing your interest in keeping in touch.

3) Reach out to stay connected online if you're using Plaxo, LinkedIn or a similar service.

4) If you're serious about staying in touch, put him into your list of professional contacts who you'll reach out to quarterly by voice or email.

-Hugh

mikehansen's picture

I agree with Hugh, although if it was just a passing relationship the card to the home front might be a little odd. It will certainly make an impression though!

I would encourage you to keep the relationship if you can. You never know, you may want to work in his new company one day!

-Mike

HMac's picture

[quote="mikehansen"]I agree with Hugh, although if it was just a passing relationship the card to the home front might be a little odd. It will certainly make an impression though![/quote]

It's memorable. It's a differentiator. And if you're sending it after the person has left your company, then it makes sense to send it to their home.

I've had a few people tell me -years later- how much my card meant to them, and how few people made that kind of effort to reach out. I was frankly STUNNED - because I thought these very popular high level executives would have been flooded....

-Hugh

mikehansen's picture

Ok, I am sold on the card!

I will put that into play next time it comes up.

Thanks,
Mike

208001354's picture

Thank you very much. I love the card idea.

In this case the person leaving is in the same office as me, but the majority of my contacts and relationships are virtual. With multiple positions turning over, this gives me a way to distinguish myself outside of a phone call.

Great responses and especially nice step by step illustration.