When an employee leaves, it’s not always the one the team wants to see go. Sometimes the highest performers and most well-liked decide to take positions elsewhere, and this can create a ripple effect of negativity that can lead to decreased morale and potentially more team members looking for greener pastures. When a superstar decides to walk out the door, it’s important for a manager to handle the situation delicately—and manage their own emotions carefully. Before sharing the news with anyone, it’s important to take the time to process your own anxieties and frustrations. When words are positive but body language conveys concern, the team will infer your intent through what they are shown rather than what they are hearing. Once you can approach the situation in a calm, collected way, it’s time to announce it to the team. Start by helping celebrate the individual who is departing; don’t downplay their exit hoping no one will notice. Instead, be the first in the “we’ll miss you” cavalcade. Now, the hard part: Ask the departing team member to have an exit interview. Explain that you want them to be brutally honest—and don’t get defensive if you hear unpleasant things. Use the interview as a learning experience to be a better manager and create a stronger team so top performers won’t leave in the future.