Welcome to our first of many blogs with a mindfulness approach. Today, let’s celebrate a healthy perspective and feel good about our future successes, regardless of the ghosts of jobs past. Handling mutually agreeable resolutions and amicable separations demonstrates an impressive level of professionalism and thoughtfulness; setting clear standards for how to gracefully manage transitions while prioritizing the integrity and success of the estate, the people involved, and your career.
This mindset resonates well in the private service industry, ensuring long-term success and maintaining strong relationships with principals, clients, and agents alike, even in the event of unsuccessful trial periods, interim, and short-term roles.
Let me begin. Finding a mutually agreeable resolution truly reflects one’s values of integrity, collaboration, and service at the highest level. While I’m sure we can all agree one’s intent is to celebrate our greatest success, professional triumphs, or a long overdue role in a dream job, for whatever reason, foreseeing a departure may be imminent. If you are not the right fit, or were placed in a role where the principal was not clear, didn’t know what they wanted, or never had private service or anyone in your role, you may find out “You’re not it”. Maybe you were suddenly relocated, or there was a change in family dynamics, or role in its entirety. I hope my story reminds you of your greatest work, whether it was long-term, interim, or only for a season.
Fall of 2023, I entered my first Interim role, in the Hospitality industry, assisting with the opening of a boutique inn in South Carolina. While I was offered an opportunity to stay on as Inn Keeper – Chef, I regrettably declined to accept a familiar offer; securing what I thought would be my dream role. However, just before the start date, unexpected changes in the geography of my primary residence and new role led to a mutually agreed amicable separation after 7 months.
Another role in the Southern United States followed. Although I already relocated, no commitment or signed work agreement was ever acknowledged. While I did my best work there as an estate manager-chef, I knew within 30 days, that we were not a match (reported to the agency). I initiated a respectful request for a verbal 90-day commitment. Upon completion of my 90 days, we agreed on a peaceful separation.
Throughout these transitions, I’ve come to celebrate not just professional achievements, but the ability to reach mutually agreeable resolutions. With honesty, integrity, and truth, you, too, can address the same situations, communicate openly, and maintain professionalism, resulting in peaceful separations. If you ever need advice on this, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I will mentor you.
Key Takeaways from These Transitions:
- Open Dialogue: Both parties must agree that an amicable separation serves the best interest of all. Offering gratitude and showing willingness to assist in the transition ensures goodwill and future positive references.
- Offer Assurance of a Smooth Transition: To protect the estate’s continuity, I would propose a “Time and Action Plan,” offering to stay an additional 30-60-90 days, or longer, if necessary, to ensure an organized and respectful transition.
- Maintain Professionalism: Expressing gratitude and offering to assist in the future leaves a lasting positive impression and fosters continued relationships.
Achievements Before Departures:
Some key projects I completed before exiting these roles include:
- Overseeing two new builds, estate relocations and their property move-ins. Extensive punch lists, and projects on lakefront and intercoastal waters. Over 25,000 sq. ft. of living spaces with multiple dwellings, docks, and mass acreage of forestry and gardens.
- Created natural disaster preparedness plans and conducted drills.
- Elevator drills and digital manuals.
- Established dock & fleet care, arbor care, and landscape integrity, while training property and grounds staff.
- Wildlife management and pest control.
- Pet profiles and their care
- Developed digital workspaces for seamless communication, calendaring, and task management.
- Created comprehensive house manuals, housekeeping manuals, staff job descriptions, daily graces, and operational systems for estate management.
- Identified potential successors in existing staff.
- Left the estate in excellent condition and care.
Separation Terms:
Depending on the scope of work, separation dates varied from 30-90 days, and up to six months from a CO. Upon completion, ensuring all salary and benefits were properly addressed and a confidentiality agreement was in place to preserve professional relationships.
Conclusion:
Exiting a management role through mutual agreement showcases professionalism and respect. Thanks to these principles, I’ve been fortunate to maintain financial security, extended health benefits, and even housing post-departure. I’ve received stellar a reference, coupled with a generous severance that far exceeds the norm. By maintaining open communication, ensuring a smooth transition, and respecting confidentiality, you too can secure future opportunities while preserving important professional relationships.
Special thanks to my principals and those who facilitated my journey in these roles, allowing me to work at the highest level of service without any terminations, only mutually agreeable resolutions.
Respectfully,
Joanie Veage, Executive Director, Bespoke Homes, and Estates
