Email to your Best Former Boss

Made to Lead: A Pocket Guide to Leading
Marketing & Creative Teams

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Here’s a cut-and-paste template:

SUBJECT: Reaching out

Hi ___,

Thanks for showing me how to be a good manager. Now that I lead a team myself, I finally appreciate the work you were doing back then to create a great experience for our team. I especially remember when you ______________. Thank you for being a role model to me.

Then send it. You’ll make their day.

Don’t have their contact info—or they’ve passed away? Take the time to write the note anyway. It’ll help you clarify what you value as a leader, including areas where you want to improve.

Be sure to modify your own copies to fit your needs, and seek professional advice as appropriate—I’m not a lawyer, and your mileage may vary (YMMV).

Want help applying this at

your agency?

Accountability. Advice. Perspective.

If you’re ready to focus on the things that matter—and do less of everything else—we’re ready to help! Get custom strategic advice and a concrete plan to implement it when you work with Karl one-on-one via his Executive Coaching program or a Custom Consulting project.