Dear Workologist:
I am having a disagreement with some of my friends regarding how to handle an exit interview. Clearly there are different situations to consider, but I believe that, in general, it’s best to be honest. Most of my friends counter that you should just say what the company wants to hear, in order to keep the employer as a good reference. I understand that argument, but I don’t feel comfortable not disclosing what I know to be true and why I am leaving an organization. I am pretty sure I know what you will say, but what is your opinion?
T.C., Pittsburgh
It sounds as if you and your friends have very different ideas about the point of an exit interview. I think you are both wrong.