It may end well; it may end badly; but it will end. If you think otherwise, you are wrong. The reasons can be many, from committing missteps, to sabotage, to just plain running your course. It is important to know when the end is near. This takes a good dose of self-awareness, an ego kept in check, and a sense of pride. These last two items may seem to be contradictory, but they aren’t. As a leader you should take pride in what you have accomplished. If you can’t do that, push the eject button immediately. But your ego is likely to tell you that you can (or must) continue, even if the signs are there that the end is near. If you know when to bow out, both your pride and ego can remain intact. If your timing is bad, both may suffer.
Win or lose, it is important to leave graciously and gracefully. Leaving while you are on top is best, if you are lucky enough to have that happen. In that case, thank everyone involved for their contributions and provide contact information for anyone who may wish it. If it doesn’t end well, do the same. Either way the final impression you leave will be positive, and it will be clear that you took the high road.
And frankly, there is a bit of gleeful vengeance in your detractors having to concede that you went out with class. Take my word for it.
