When you're changing jobs, finding the right company and environment is only half the battle of wisely managing your career.

Making a graceful exit from your current job is also supremely important. So says Joseph Grenny, president of Vital Smarts, an executive leadership training company in Provo, Utah. Grenny, co-author of "Crucial Conversations," a book about business etiquette, suggests ways to maintain relationships with your current boss and co-workers, and avoid burning bridges in ways that can come back to haunt you.

First, he advises against any inclination you might have to set your boss straight about his or her faults. Whatever you've tried so far hasn't worked, and the situation is not going to get better as you leave. You'll only stir resentment by telling your boss what you find obnoxious about your job, the work environment and his or her behavior. The same advice applies to co-workers.

Changing jobs is not an excuse to slack off in the position you're leaving. Maintain the same level of professionalism that has taken you to this point in your career. That will help you get strong job references in the future.

When speaking with prospective employers, talking about your current boss requires a delicate balance to avoid sugar-coating a strained relationship on the one hand, and bad-mouthing someone on the other. Grenny advises job seekers to be candid about not seeing eye-to-eye with a boss, but without getting into the details of disagreements or passing judgment on your boss' character.

Last, Grenny recommends setting up an exit interview with someone from human resources to explain your reasons for leaving. This is also a good opportunity to get feedback on your performance. But avoid becoming angry by taking comments personally.

The most significant thing, at this stage, is feeling good about how you've left a job so you can make a smooth transition to your new position.