Forum Exits

Forum Member Departures

The life of a Forum group is dynamic. Although it’s a long-term relationship, you will see members come and go over time. The loss of a Forum member affects Forum dynamics and morale. If the departure isn’t addressed to the point that the group feels comfortable moving forward, there will be a significant decrease in Forum commitment and productivity. This can be especially dramatic if there was a negative situation surrounding the member’s departure.

The Forum can review its bylaws and make a decision about whether they want or need to replace the outgoing Forum member. This is also a good opportunity for the Forum to share and learn from the Forum member’s departure.

The Exit Presentation

• Dedicate a portion of the meeting - 20-30 minutes is an appropriate amount of time for one member. Stick to time limits, more can be said in a social meeting afterward. The remaining group deserves to still have a productive Forum meeting.

• Departing member speaks to each Forum member individually, in front of the group.

Appreciates and acknowledges the specific contribution made during the time together.

o Share with the group:

▪ Short background on EO tenure and any roles held

▪ Reflections on what you have gained from EO and where you are now vs where you were upon joining

▪ A few key high points from your EO experience

▪ An update on where you’re going next and how it’s going

▪ A short piece of feedback for each of the Forum members

• Forum members address the departing member – One by one, recall a vignette of their

time together in the Forum and thank them for any particular contributions they recall.

If the departure is contentious

• Apply conflict resolution strategies - This is done prior to the member’s last meeting and exit.

• Isolate exit presentation - If more than one member is departing, separate the negative exit from a standard exit presentation.

• Forum protocol reminder – Forum Members are to be mindful to use this time to talk about the member’s departure, not a time to rehash any Forum issues relating to the member.

Adhering to Forum cornerstones is necessary.

• Collective statement from the group – if tension makes it difficult for each group member to address the departing individual, then a collective statement can be made from the group.

After the departing member speaks, open the floor for any general comments.