3 things James Comey can teach you about leaving a job gracefully

3 things James Comey can teach you about leaving a job gracefully3 things James Comey can teach you about leaving a job gracefullyThis week,fired FBI director James Comey was in the spotlight for a very public defenestration from his job. As if the firing itself wasnt excruciating enough, details showed Comey had been dumped unceremoniously, finding out only because the newsplayed on the televisionsbehind him before hed been officially notified. Ouch.Yet today, Comey issued a farewell letter to his colleagues following his departure, and from a career advice standpoint, its one of the best.Even though Comeys leaving a high-profile job, there are several key takeaways everyone can see from how hes handled the situation that are important for any person in the workforce, especially if youre leaving a job or company under tough circumstances.1. Never Burn a BridgeBehind the scenes, Comey could be cursing up a storm, chugging scotch by the bottle or sobbing the corner. Reports suggest he s chilling out in his garden in Northern Virginia.In public, however, Comey has been stoic and straightforward, and his public note to his colleagues is kind and courteous.To be clear We have no idea how hes actually feeling, and thats a good thing.What can you learn? When you leave, keep your true feelings to yourself - the time when they can make difference has passed by the time youre out the door - and never burn a bridge if you dont have to. Whatever Comey does next, he may have to work with former FBI agents or administration members, so theres no point in alienating them. Venting publicly about the situation youre dealing with might feel like a therapeutic exercise at the time, but its much like Pandoras box You cant take things back once you let them out. Spilling your guts to a parent or partner is one thing airing your dirty laundry to colleagues is a whole other thing, not to mention a big no-no. Theres a limit to empathy Even close colleagues can be wounded by hurtful things you say about your former employer if they have no choice but to stay.2. Make It About the Good TimesOne of the biggest elephants in the room when it comes to Comeys firing is, understandably, his relationship with boss. Instead of delving into that or focusing on the negatives, however, Comey spent most of his short note thanking his colleagues for their time together and praising them for their efforts. Even on his way out, he showed the team why he was a good leader because he was thinking of their contributions.Think of it this way The final thoughts James Comeys colleagues will have of him as a boss is him saying that working with them has been one of the great joys of my life instead of him being angry.Call it recency bias. Were influenced by what we saw last. When youre leaving a job, your behavior during those final few days or moments will be remembered just as much as the actual work you did.Thats why its important to be courteous, take extra time to thank those who helped you and as your mother probably told you, if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. Professionalism is a personal characteristic your responsibility to be professional doesnt end just because your work contract does.3. Keep It ShortTheres no doubt that if Comey wanted to, he could have written a 30-page goodbye letter and every news outlet wouldve covered it in great detail. Instead, Comey kept his sentiments short n sweet as he walked out the door.Even if you dont write a goodbye letter when youre leaving your job, make your exit as quick and graceful as possible. Theres no reason to throw yourself a week-long goodbye party as if you deserve a state funeral, or have everyone wave at the door as you leave the building. Make sure youve filed any last-minute projects and updated colleagues who are taking over your work. Then, walk out without fanfare and move on. People will know how to contact you.A lot can be said - and has been written - about Comey and his time at the helm of the FBI. Yet, regardless of all the controversy, when it comes to his goodbye letter and his actual exit, he did everything right.