Congratulations on starting a new job! Whether you got “restructured out” for no explicable reason, finally got the chance you’ve been wanting to move to academia or transferred to a more visible role, there is a major change in one of your most intimate professional relationships. You are moving on from your boss of many years, who is suddenly not part of your everyday life and no longer impacts your next performance review or promotion.

You may be in the mood to say “adios” to your boss. But “hasta luego” will actually work more to your advantage. For those of you who haven’t picked up those Spanish phrases along the way, it’s the difference between “goodbye” and “see ya later.”

In this case, when it comes to “see ya later”, sooner is better than later. Don’t let the relationship grow cold. Instead, elevate it to new level. Plan in your calendar to give your former boss a call, thank him sincerely for something or other (doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s sincere) and set up lunch within the first several months of your new job.

I know, I know. Every time I say this, I can see or sense my clients’ feathers ruffle in response.

Even if you are disappointed that he didn’t do more for you after you made him look terrific for years or conversely think he did something he shouldn’t have, or that you wished he hadn’t…it doesn’t matter anymore. This is about your future, not your past. My recommendation holds for three reasons:

1. She can be a sounding board and source of advice. She knows you. Now, she is in a position to provide completely open feedback. She has less at stake - she’s not counting on you to make the sales numbers or turn in the analyst’s report on time.
   
   In fact, she has more to gain from investing in you as a business contact than in never seeing you again. Your future success reflects well on her. If you shine, she can always say “that guy used to work for me” with “I taught him everything he knows” implied or added overtly. You may be thinking you don’t want or need her guidance anymore, but you just never know when it might be helpful or handy to give her a call.

1. He can be a job reference. Sure, you have your brand new job now, but you have a future ahead. if you are job hunting, you aren’t likely to give your current boss as a reference. I won’t belabor the point.

1. She may be a great networking contact. Remember, at this point, no one understands your subject-matter expertise as well as she does. She may have internal contacts within the organization you never met, plus she’ll meet the newcomers. As her role evolves and she continues to connect with people, her network can benefit you as well. On an industry level, she might suggest you as an event speaker, introduce you to potential suppliers, or exert some influence on your behalf when you are trying to forge an alliance or land a contract.

This isn’t a testosterone match with the guy who used to hold power over you. It’s a strategy in your lasting best interest.