Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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Telling your boss that you’re leaving your job isn’t an easy conversation — but flubbing it could burn bridges. Not being able to explain clearly and reasonably why you’re moving on can lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings, and it can open the door to protracted and painful attempts to talk you into staying.

o A recent survey showed that one of the most common regrets executives had over resigning was that they didn’t rehearse what they would say.

o So before you spring your decision on your boss, practice what you’ll say with a trusted colleague. Talk through your personal and professional reasons for leaving and how you plan to mitigate the effects on coworkers and the company.

o Your colleague may point out implications you hadn’t considered, such as timing or a potential reaction your boss could have. Ask for their advice on the best way to approach the conversation.

Adapted from “3 Mistakes Executives Make When Telling People That They’re Leaving,” by Kelly O. Kay

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