The “Community Manager” role as we know it today hasn’t been around very long.  Most of us in our positions have only been in them a short period of time so the idea of leaving one behind wasn’t on the minds of many in the chat today.  However, it’s always good to keep in mind what good protocol would be if you do decide to work elsewhere or for another community and leave your current one.  Wednesday had 308 tweets and 58 participants, all about some of the best thoughts on transitioning.

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We were also really lucky to have Chanelle Schneider (@WriterChanelle) as our Guest Co-Moderator today because Kelly was working in LA for the week.  She’s the Founder of the #GenYChat which takes place Wednesdays at 9pm EST.

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Bonus: On David Spinks’ blog today, he discusses part of the side conversation we had in the chat on Wednesday.  Do you really like everyone in your community?

Also make sure to follow the @CmgrChat Twitter Account and join the Linked In group as well (Link on the right side of the screen)!

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Q1) Have any of you left a community for another community? Did you train a new cmgr?

jvkautz: No. SM started under my watch and I grew into the role. But I’m a succession-plan thinker so I’m chronicling every detail.

SunnyinSyracuse: I have left a community due to funding cuts, all staff except top execs laid off.

jvkautz: Yeah – our communities are so imbued with our selves that it’d be weird to see them w somebody else.

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Q2) Have you searched for a new community mgr position while in one? Where do you look?

digitalmention: Not me! But…when I was looking: Community Roundtable, LinkedIn, Mashable, Jeremiah Owyang site

evanhamilton: Yup. You gotta hit everything, never know where the good stuff is. Craigslist, LinkedIn, CommunityGuy, Web-Strategist.

cochinealred: Search local networks, approach industries you love… something that you can feel comfortable getting deeply involved in.

DanielaBolzmann: Found my current job on Craigslist, but like browsing job postings on Mashable.

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Q3. What should the company do and what should you do to announce a transition?

jvkautz: If it’s forced on you, be professional to the end & beyond. Bridges burn for all to see in the SM world.

DavidSpinks: If a community manager did their job well, the community will be tied to the company, not the person.

cochinealred: Company should do no more than post the position on all of their networks… personally I’m not too sure what is required

AndrewVazzano: The words “grinding halt” come to mind. RT @JPedde: If you leave but they don’t hire a new cmgr, what happens?

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Q4. Do you continue to engage with the old community once you’ve left?

evanhamilton: Only if it would be awkward if you didn’t. If you use the product a ton, sure. If not, don’t get in the way of the new person.

digitalmention:If building a community is about relationships, then yes! Relationships don’t end just because u move on!

DavidSpinks: If you’ve developed personal relationships, it would be bad form to ignore them when you leave.

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Thanks to all who participated! If you would like to see the entire transcript, please click here.Make sure to come back to #cmgrchat every Wednesday from 2-3pm EST for more chats!

If you have any ideas or suggestions for future topics, leave comments or get in touch with either Jenn or Kelly!