Should I give her a TY note?

[AuntieA]

There will be a change in our reporting structure at work - as of next Tuesday I'll no longer report to the director I now report to. Our role is being shifted to the portfolio of another director, someone I get along with and have a good professional rapport with, thank goodness. The director I have been under for almost six years has been an extraordinarily terrific boss, a great mentor, and has been a shining example both professionally and as a leader.

I'm torn - I would really like to let this director know how much I appreciate her guidance and support over the years, but I will still see her/interact with her professionally (each director has to take a week of call at a time, and while on duty we communicate with the one on call). I don't want things to be awkward between us, nor do I want the new director I'll be under to feel slighted or un-favored. Do any of you think it would be inappropriate for me to send (old) director a note saying thanks for her leadership?

[Lisbeth]

I think the note is a nice idea.

[bopper]

I would send the old director a note and copy her boss.  You could mention that you are excited about the new opportunities about working with new boss, but you have learned so much from old boss and it was delight to work with her, blah blah.

[Slartibartfast]

Depending on your working relationship with this person, I would suggest a small "fun" gift - $5 or less that has something to do with your work.  (Notepad with a chemistry joke on it if you're chemists, for example, or a coffee mug with the dewey decimal number for tea on it if you're a librarian.  That kind of thing.)  You can include a note saying "It's been great working with you and I will probably still catch you around sometimes."

If your relationship with this person has been strictly professional with no personal details, then definitely go with just a formal thank you note - but something fun or quirky can be a great way of acknowledging the workplace rapport you have built up, and make it less of an awkward situation.