Burning Bridges, a Two-way Road
Posted Jan 12, 2016 by Ben Mohler
Opting to burn bridges does not give license to name, blame, and shame.
We've all heard the adage "don't burn your bridges." As you leave positions for new opportunities in your career, don't fear the specter of burning bridges. Sometimes they're a good thing.
To date, I have removed four professional colleagues from my address book, social media connections, and blocked them from my life... completely. The idea came to me as a result of long reflection and this article: How the People Around You Affect Personal Success (Lifehacker).
I didn't reach this decision easily, but in reflecting on my past interaction with these people, the "burning bridges" conclusion was a no-brainier. In general this choice came as a result of their history of behavior and overall attitude. In total, both trended counter to professional ethics and best practice. I also applied some specific assessments to assure my motivation was driven by a level-headed calculation of facts and not spite.
Opting to burn bridges does not give license to name, blame, and shame.
Questions to consider before burning bridges
- Will your association with these people, no matter how distant or removed, reflect well on your credibility or spread a cloud of doubt over your professional judgement?
- If these people ask you for a professional reference or to connect them with another professional peer, will you welcome this or cringe?
- Do these people have an active interest in your success and interests, or do they have something else in mind?
- If you rank their values and motivation—where would they fall on a continuum ranging from selfless to self-serving?
- Perhaps the most telling, are these people front of mind when you read articles like these?
- Psychopaths: how can you spot one? (The Telegraph)
- 10 Signs You're Working With A Narcissist (Lifehack)
Like bridges, professional networking is a two-way road
With the perspective of time I still find comfort in my choice. This process has reaffirmed that professional networking is a two-way road. There needs to be mutual interest in helping and celebrating the successes of one another. When that ceases being true, it is time to cut things off.
Opting to burn bridges does not give license to name, blame, and shame. In my experience, the people blocked from my network had already burned their bridge with me. They choose to: harm over help, diminish and not enrich, undermine instead of encourage, and poison over edify. It was just my turn to complete the process and close the other lane.
Additional Resources
4 Secrets to Getting Along With Difficult People (Lifehack)
10 Reasons to Forgive the Person You Hate the Most (Marc and Angel Hack Life)
7 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Energy and Become Positive (Lifehack)
10 Clear Reasons Why You Shouldn't Care What Others Think (Lifehack)
7 Ways to Thrive with a Bad Boss (Leadership Freak)