Nobody likes to talk about endings. Here's why we need to. Leaders spend a lot of time planning new initiatives. But what about the endings that go along with them? Most leaders are not taught how to manage themselves, let alone their teams and organization, through the messy, multifaceted discomfort of an ending. Making a team member redundant, merging two teams, cutting funding to a failed project: in all these situations we tend to focus on the new beginning, and rush past the ending that needs our care and attention. Dealing with endings well takes maturity and emotional intelligence. Leaders need to understand and process their own feelings before they can lead others through transition. Why does this matter? Because poorly managed endings leave a scar on everyone involved. Discretionary energy and motivation are not so forthcoming. Change programmes don't get traction, resistance and cynicism take root. Change fails. Leading Executive Coaches Alison Lucas and Lizzie Bentley Bowers provide this missing piece of the change leadership puzzle: a way of leading yourself and others through change in a respectful, emotionally agile way. Because better endings mean better beginnings. ‘ Good Bye highlights a crucial yet often overlooked moment in leadership and organizational life, offering valuable tools and actionable guidance. It will undoubtedly benefit leaders seeking to handle moments of parting with clarity and care.' - Kirsty Devine, Head of US HR, Financial Times ‘I am adding this title to my recommended reading list!’ - Professor David Clutterbuck Leading Executive Coaches Alison Lucas, of Randolph Partnership Ltd, and Lizzie Bentley Bowers, of The Causeway Coaching Ltd, are professionally accredited coaches and facilitators, working at board and senior level across all sectors to equip leaders to thrive in a complex and uncertain world. This book is a must-read for any leader looking to navigate transitions with an understanding of the human and organisational impact of change. It offers practical insights, real-world examples, and a framework for leaders to approach change holistically. - Amazon 5 * As a funder I often see proposals for new projects and ‘onboarding’ volunteers but less attention is given to how a project ends and how a volunteer steps down. Perhaps the push for evaluation has taken our attention away from the more human-centred aspects of endings? The four steps are powerful in their simplicity and this book offers an essential toolkit for leaders who want to navigate endings with grace and intention. - Amy Braier, Director, Pears Foundation Good Bye helped me guide a better ending for a longstanding team member. The REAR model helped me ensure they left understanding how valued they were, and prevented any potential negativity spreading within the team during their exit period. I focussed on making sure their ending in the business was a positive one; to celebrate their achievements with the team and to recognize their contributions within the wider business. I framed every conversation around their time with the business as being both rewarding to them personally and also highly valued by the business. I encouraged them to view their time here as a stepping stone for their future career advancement rather than them consider it to be a failure and let them leave on a sour note. It worked; they left on a high and the remaining team have pushed on without losing any pace. - Commercial Director, Real Estate I have benefitted greatly from the authors’ experience and wisdom, while navigating ‘Endings’ on my personal career journey. This book will empower many more leaders to benefit, I will definitely be adding this to my recommended reading list for the HR and business leaders I work with. - Nigel Standing, L&D Leader, Fortune 250 organisation This insightful and accessible book by coaches Alison Lucas and Lizzie Bentley Bowers fills a crucial gap in leadership literature, shining a light on the often overlooked importance of managing endings. While many leaders and organizations are well-versed in launching new initiatives, few are equipped to handle the emotional and practical complexities of closure – be it downsizing, merging teams, or ending a project. Lucas and Bowers challenge the ‘new beginning’ bias, offering a refreshingly empathetic perspective on the need for thoughtful endings. Their 4-step process is both straightforward and profound, guiding leaders in navigating transitions with emotional intelligence and respect. Packed with relatable scenarios and practical wisdom, this book is a must-read for leaders seeking to create lasting, positive change by honouring the full lifecycle of any endeavour, and essential reading for anyone guiding others through the complexities of organizational transformation. - Marian Rosefield, Coach, Supervisor, Researcher and Positive Psychology Practitioner Full of powerful insights and pragmatic help about an under-considered but vit