When an employee resigns, as a manager, there are a few questions to ask in that initial conversation that will both satisfy your curiosity and tell your employee that her time and efforts on your team have been noticed.

1. What’s next for you? 

This question is a nice initial response to your employee’s announcement because it focuses on the positive and on her future. It also tells her that you are concerned about her next steps, not just what this resignation means for you.

2. How did your current role prepare you for what’s next? 

This is a very strength-based way of having a conversation about what her current role did for her. If she is leaving bitterly, it frames the conversation positively, without losing genuineness. Maybe her current role as a sales person helped her realize that she doesn’t want to work in retail. While the role was not a good fit, there is value in what she learned about herself through the job.

3. What works well about your current role?

This question is fool proof, even if your employee is leaving bitterly. It forces her to think through the parts of her job that functioned smoothly. It’ll be obvious if she can’t think of much about the job that works well. However, many people leave on good terms with little ill will about their last company. Their input on how the role lives can be valuable as you may consider amending the job description or reflecting on the structure of the position on a team.

4. Do you have ideas about who should replace you?

This question can provide insight into your employee’s planning, and potentially valuable candidates. However, it’s important to make clear that this question is meant to bring her into the hiring process and to let her know that her recommendations would be taken seriously. This is not meant to put the onus on her to find your next employee.

Keep in mind, this conversation does not replace or make the exit interview redundant. The exit interview is a different conversation where one can be more anonymously frank. This conversation is more about maintaining professionalism while you communicate your ongoing care for this employee’s development.

What do you ask when an employee resigns? Share it in the comments below.