How to Exit an Engagement with Grace
Erica Smigielski
Leading Strategic Initiatives & Guiding Women Leaders | Integrating Corporate Drive with Inner Wisdom | Founder of SparkPath Consulting and Guidance
At times, it can be difficult to see an engagement come to an end. Perhaps you enjoyed working with your client, had built relationships and effective partnerships, or even felt that the work was in your sweet spot and you were in your flow.
Or maybe it’s the opposite for you. The focus of work might have shifted so much so that it’s no longer fulfilling, leaving you disinterested or even straining relationships you worked so hard to build.
It’s also possible the engagement comes to an end for reasons completely outside your control. There could have been an internal re-organization or company acquisition resulting in the project moving to low priority or completely falling off the radar. Maybe the key stakeholder behind your project gave notice and you’re left to watch the project ‘die on the vine’.
I’ve been through all of these – most with plenty of notice and some with very short notice. Some exits I welcomed. Some I was bummed over. Either way, it’s so important to remember the only thing consistent as an independent consultant is change! And when it’s time to wrap up an engagement – all eyes are on you. Which is why it’s important to remember these 3 things so you, too, can exit your engagements with grace…
Business is Based on Relationships
Period. How you handle yourself and your client as you exit your engagement is the last impression you leave with them. It’s the one that sticks, whether you like it or not, so you want it to be a good one. So good, in fact, that your client is already thinking of another project with which to re-engage you or has a colleague to which they want to introduce you in order to explore other opportunities.
If you felt good about the project and the relationship you maintained with the company/stakeholder, you shouldn’t just grab your last paycheck and get out of there. This can be the perfect time to ask for a testimonial or participate in a case study. Hint: offer to draft it for your stakeholder and have them edit it to their own liking for quicker results.