Belonging at the Time of Leaving

What It’s About: I’m restating my belief that BELONGING will be an emerging theme throughout this decade. Why? Think about the difference between when you’ve felt like you’ve really belonged, versus being an outsider. We want to belong without boundaries, fear of discrimination or limitation. Additionally, we want to be able to be part of a tribe by showing up as we truly are, unafraid to make mistakes, able to genuinely speak our mind, and ask for/offer help in an abundant way. This condition for belonging is totally accessible. Each of us just needs to genuinely make it so, because we are GIVERS. 

So What?: Every one of us will have a last day with every group or organization we are part of. Sometimes that departure will naturally dissolve, like sugar in tea. Other times we will choose to leave for another opportunity, or be asked to leave because our group needs someone or something else we can’t provide. Nevertheless, it includes an ending of sorts. What I think we can do much better at, is bridging the notion of belonging at this exit point; when leaving occurs regardless of the reason. Let’s agree that investing and creating belonging feels at odds with any exit. However, there is an increasing amount of people and position restructuring based on the degree of rapid transformation and disruption in the marketplace. So what if we changed our approach to these exits, so they become way more dignified than they often are now? (This excludes people who have been egregious in harming others). 

Now What?: I suggest we focus on treating exits as an extension of belonging. Even if people are asked to leave, we could thoughtfully invite them to be a valuable part of the alumni. This includes but is not limited to: 

  1. A fair severance package. 

  2. Varied options of saying goodbye to teammates (no walkouts or disappearance in the middle of the night, and all the other stupid exit protocols created by legal, HR, IT and Risk). 

  3. Meaningful support and investment for the person finding their next tribe.

  4. Alumni privileges to help people feel like they always are part of the group; they still belong.

Not everyone will want to stay connected. However it’s desirable that alumni speak highly of their time with a group/organization. This experience can be created if we put our minds to it. What’s stopping us? 

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now, 

Lorne 

One Millennial View: Obviously getting turfed is no fun (and awkward), but if the process was packaged with a little bit more thought, severance, and dignity, then even the potentially unwanted gift of change can be wrapped with a bow. 

- Garrett 

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis.



















































 

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Personal LeadershipGarrett RubisCulture, Focus, Goals, Leadership, Learning, Lessons, Success, leadership, culture, purpose, WFA, work from anywhere, values, waiting, Transformation, exit, leaving, fired1 Comment