You can do serious damage to the individual's reputation and your company's image if one of you is not telling the truth. It may be necessary to meet separately with the team who works directly with the lame duck. You want to reassure them that the transition will be smooth. But, realistically, you'll be leaning on the team to fill in the gaps until a replacement is named. If you hire from the outside, some egos may need to be assuaged if people on the staff thought they were qualified for the job.
Turnover is natural in the course of any business.
These days, low unemployment is creating a buyer's market for job seekers, so turnover is higher than ever. Your company is bound to be faced with it sooner or later. Be prepared and you'll lessen the long-term impact. Mulling is founder of The Mulling Group, an Atlanta-based outplacement and executive coaching firm. People Smarts appears twice-monthly.