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Saying Goodbye With Class

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Lynn Gaertner-Johnston Updated on

Today I received an email from a client, Marie, whose job is being eliminated at a prestigious investment company. She wrote to say goodbye.

Because her email is an excellent example of how to say goodbye with class and to keep professional relationships strong, I asked her permission to share her email, with the names changed. She generously said yes. Here it is:

***********************
Lynn,
Just a quick email to let you know that tomorrow, July 10, will be my last day at XXX Company. I'm heading off to new adventures. I'm not even sure what they are yet, but trust me–they will be wonderful.

It has been a joy to have worked with you during my time here. You are such a warm and engaging individual, and I sincerely hope that we can stay in touch and find future opportunities to work together.

Going forward, Name One (nameone@XXX.com) and Name Two (nametwo@XXX.com) will be coordinating the logistics for Learning & Development courses. Feel free to contact them with any questions regarding offering business writing courses in the future. I will give them your contact information as well.

I wish you great success in your own adventures! Please let me know if I can ever be of service to you. See you on Facebook and/or LinkedIn.

All the best!

Marie
***********************

Marie kept the message positive even though she was leaving a job she loved. She took time to communicate with me, a vendor, and to make thoughtful remarks about me. She told me who my contacts at the company would now be, and she suggested we connect online.

I'd say it's a perfect message. What do you think?

For ideas on what to write as your out-of-office email when you are out permanently, read this post.

Lynn
Syntax Training

Posted by Lynn Gaertner Johnson
By Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English. She grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois.

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