I'll miss you too

I have had a number of employees, or former employees, cry in my office. Although this may seem heartless, the tears typically do not have an effect on me. I offer them a box of tissue and continue on with the conversation.

Today was different. One of my employees stopped in my office on her way home. I told her that today was my last day at this location. She offered a hug and asked where I was going. I told her. She mentioned a few kind words and offered another hug. When we parted, tears were rolling down her face. I began to feel the tears well up. I choked them down as she quickly turned away and walked out. She called down the hallway, “I’ll miss you.” I’ll miss her too.

Later, I began to wander around, talking to employees, saying good-bye, etc. They were kind and cordial. And then I saw one in particular. This is an employee who has been with the company for over 25 years. Obviously she has seen many people come and go. When I saw her, she looked at me and said that she was not going to say goodbye. I told her that she didn’t have to. She said that she would only say “See you later.”

As I am sitting in my soon-to-be-former office, a number of employees have stopped by to say goodbye. I will miss them too.

My job requires that, on occasion, I make decisions that make me unpopular. I have become accustomed to that. I had forgotten that sometimes I make decisions that have a positive effect on people as well. I am glad that I have had that realization.
My Staff: Thank you for everything and I will miss all of you!