The Bard Pinpointed The Problem<
Shakespeare nailed the problem with endings when Juliet bids Romeo good night by saying “parting is such sweet sorrow…” Juliet would have been equally correct if she had said the sorrow was bittersweet.
There are numerous endings we navigate throughout life. School provides a significant number as we move from grade school through high school and finally college. Although each of those endings signals a new beginning, there is always an element of discomfort.
How we enter a room, a conversation, a new job, or organization is important and makes a definite impression. How we LEAVE anything – a job, a meeting, a volunteer position, or friendship — speaks volumes about our character. With these parting actions and the words that accompany them, we can shine or tarnish a professional or personal reputation. Because the exit is the final impression, it makes makes sense to leave the right way.
Some of the endings are rites of passage, like leaving our home for summer camp and then leaving our summer friends for home, moving into our first apartment, or taking a job in a city far from home. Others may be more traumatic. Many of us remember moving during the school year, leaving friends and starting over in a strange place in the middle of a school term. It’s tough. Friendships and groups have been formed and the New Kid on the Block has to penetrate already formed groups that may appear to be cliques. Then there’s the monumental task of learning to fit in.
Throughout life there’s discomfort in leaving the familiar routine, even if it’s just leaving a job or friendship that no longer works. The ending isn’t easy because it signals you’re embarking on a new and, more importantly, an unknown path.
LITTLE LEAVINGS, ENDLESS ENDINGS
My grandmother perfected her phone call endings. When she was ready to hang up, she would sweetly say, “Thank you so much for calling,” and before you could respond, you heard the phone click.
Whether we’re leaving a face to face conversation or one on the phone (whether it’s on Skype or What’s APP)experts recommend that we wait until we’re talking, then interrupt ourselves and say, “Glad we had a chance to speak about the issue. Hope all goes well. Goodbye.”
Savvy Networkers know that it’s worthwhile to take the time to say 14 gracious words for what could be, “Gotta go,” BUT it’s a good investment/ And it’s a smart one that shows manners, consideration and maturity.
LET MY PEOPLE GO
As a guest, it’s important to know when and how to leave a party so we don’t overstay our welcome. Parting company is a skill. As the host, we need to let guests leave when they say their goodbyes.
Whether it’s on the phone, at an event, on a text exchange or at a meeting, we need to hear the hint and take it! This isn’t the moment to monopolize a person’s time.
When leaving any event, the best exit is the mandatory, verbal “thank you” to the host, appropriate good-byes to those guests who merit a cheery goodbye, and then… leave! A lengthy goodbye can be very irritating to the spouses, friends, or co-workers who are waiting around for us to leave with them, wondering what is taking so long.
Being prepared to exit face-to-face conversations, gatherings or jobs— with grace,charm and manners— makes the Right Impression in any room!
About Susan RoAne
