You have a pit in your stomach anticipating the conversation you need to have with your boss about your new job. How will she react? Will she be upset and ask you to pack your things today or will she show understanding and want you to gradually transition out of the company? Many of us have experienced this situation in our jobs when we need to tell our boss something they may not want to hear. If you have been extremely unhappy with your position for quite some time, then this conversation may be easy for you, but for the rest of us, we lose sleep for days anticipating our boss’s reaction.

Many of us do not care if we burn a bridge with our employer because we would never expect to work with them again. While in most cases this is probably true, I have found that time can produce some strange circumstances. You may need to work with your boss on a community project once you leave, or even stranger yet, your boss may become your client someday. You just never know what turn of events may have you needing to work with your boss or others from your current organization.

So, how do you approach this conversation with the best odds of maintaining the relationship with your boss and the organization and not burn a bridge? While there are no guarantees, I would try these seven tips to improve your chance for success:

• Timing is important. If your boss is busy putting out fires, find a way to delay your message another day or two.

 • Show your appreciation for the experience. Once you find a quiet moment, let your boss know how much you have learned and gained from your time working with her.

 • Tell the truth attractively. In other words, let your boss know that you found an opportunity to challenge your abilities in a new way that opens up new doors for you. This is not the place to tell a boss that you are leaving because of their poor leadership. Wait for the exit interview with human resources or with the boss at a later time. During the exit interview give one or two critiques that are short and factual with a voice that shows more compassion than disdain.

• Give as much notice as possible. Whenever you accept a new position, it is best to let the new employer know that you want to give your current employer as much lead time as possible to fill your position. I realize this is not always possible but your new employer should understand this is as they would want the same offer when an employee leaves. Two weeks is standard for most positions but three or four weeks will be appreciated and may help you maintain the relationship. The higher level positions need the most time to replace.

 • Offer to train the new person. If your boss believes you are staying focused and positive in your position while in transition, she will allow you to train the new person and it will take a load off her plate.

• Don’t bad mouth your current boss to others. This is the time to take the high road and not criticize your current boss to others. Bad news always travels quickly and your current boss will find out! Be consistent in your message and let others know that you found a more challenging position.

 • Be ready if they ask you to pack your things. Even if you do all the steps above, there is no guarantee that they will allow you to stay on. The variables that allow you to stay include your current relationship with your boss, your boss’s maturity level and whether you are going to a competitor’s business when you leave. Initially, you may experience a draft of cold air coming from your boss and others when you let them know of your decision to leave. The draft may warm a bit after the initial shock wears off but you may need to wear a warm coat for the full transition time.

 Change is always difficult even when you are the one initiating the change. In the world of business, it is usually wiser to maintain relationships whenever possible versus burning bridges. By following the seven steps above you will be closer to keeping important relationships alive which may come in handy down the road.