TRIPLE III TIME: Exit Interview

May 30

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n my past and current leadership positions…the mandate to conduct a formal “Exit” interview with workers leaving has not really been in place.  In my early Director days…it just seemed common-place for an employee who was leaving…for whatever reason…to sit down with me and hold a colleague-to-colleague discussion.  Yes sometimes there were “touchy” issues that caused professional discomfort…but more often the interview was a solid time of two-way respect and positive interest regarding “what-next” for each!
Well for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME:  The “Exit” Interview message, we will try to cover a few main topic points and offer helpful, progressive professional development special interview suggestions.  First, as you think about The “Exit” Interview, no matter which side of the desk you sit on…it is always difficult to NOT take certain issues personally…right?  Whether discussions focus on workplace culture, frequency of pay raises, staff loyalty, unfair performance expectations or work versus home time issues, both sides take a natural position to explain and defend.
Second another valuable…but challenging “Exit” topic is employment/contract service provider change.  Many times there are again multiple reasons why someone leaves a certain job or an organization selects a different contractual service provider.  But it is both professionally and personally important for both sides to recognize the change issues and that after the “Exit” interview that true progress is being achieved.  For example is the “new job” really going to pay more and promise long-term employment?  Will a new contracted provider really improve/innovate/grow a workplace…or rather only serve as a “leadership by convenience” status quo decision?
Bottomline:  The “Exit” Interview IS a very good appropriate continuous improvement action…for both parties!  Professional discomfort is as important as gratitude and praise.  Therefore be sure to prepare Exit interview question/discussion points around:  Reasons for Leaving/Change/Compensation/Workplace Environment/Professional Development/Leadership/Teaming and QUESTIONS NEVER ASKED!
Do I think The “Exit” Interview process will ever be totally easy…No.  However, making it progressively purposed…will hopefully help
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About Inspiring Innovations, Inc.

Marv Pichla is currently the owner and Creative Advisor for his own small business, Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Sharing his unique experience with entrepreneurship and innovation in public service, Marv consults with public and private business, education, and community organizations to develop new and different problem solving methods through real-life example-based learning. Prior to starting-up Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Marv served as Executive Director for Thumb Area Michigan Works! As Executive Director, Marv used public sector innovation as his guide for the organizations regional career development, employment service, education and strategic planning initiatives. Finally, Marv was raised on a farm in the Thumb Area of Michigan where he claims he received the education principles he values most. However, he obtained his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Center Michigan University in Public Administration and eventually his Ph.D. from Capella University in Minnesota. Marv can be reached at: mpichla@inspiringinnovationsllc.com

Posted on May 30, 2025, in Triple III. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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