This week I have been back in my old office, working with the same people as before, and although it felt weird every now and then, it proved to me the importance of leaving a place well.

When it’s time for you to transition out of a relationship (job, church, friend, city…) leave well.  Clean up behind yourself. Make things great for whoever comes in after you.  Do things so well that the people who see you know you have integrity.

Then you’ll be invited back. A former employer may have a gig for you, old neighbors will welcome you back to their homes, and most importantly you will be spoken well of.

Finish well. Leave well. Don’t burn bridges.