The Right Way to Start a New Job -- And Leave Your Old One - Tammy Erickson - HarvardBusiness.org

The Right Way to Start a New Job -- And Leave Your Old One - Tammy Erickson - HarvardBusiness.org: "In today's economy, the reality is that many of us are likely to be coming and going over the upcoming months - leaving firms, joining firm - of our own volition, or that of others. Whenever you do, those first few and last few weeks are critically important. You have great opportunity for upside when you arrive and tremendous potential for downside when you leave. You do more to shape your reputation, for the good or the bad, in the way you come and the way you go, than just about anything else you do.

Here is my fundamental philosophy: both of these periods are times when your primary focus must be (or at least must appear to be) firmly fixed on the company and your colleagues. Both of these are times when the phrases 'what do you need?' and 'how can I help?' should be the questions that everyone hears most clearly. Neither are times to talk about yourself and what you want. They are both times to give back. You'll be repaid many times over in terms of the reputation you build.

What lessons have you learned about coming and going gracefully?"