Question of the day: How do you avoid burning a bridge?

From Today's RBC Daily:

Question of the day: How do you avoid burning a bridge?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Solomon on March 27, 2012 at 10:54am

Be civil - don't think or talk with emotion. Your contacts today can be your future business tomorrow. My father had successful fabric store in Levittown, NY for over 20 years. He taught me when i was a child-Julie - You never ever burn bridges. Boy he was right.. one of the many great words of wisdom my father had shared throughout the years.

Julie Solomon/Executive Recruiter Long Island, NY

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Permalink Reply by Jacob Share on March 27, 2012 at 11:16am

A few years ago, I blogged my layoff checklist which included a story about just this topic.

In a nutshell, when laid off, some people burned the bridge immediately with their understandable but difficult reaction, while others took it so well that one of them was later rehired!

You avoid burning a bridge by keeping your emotions in check while understanding where the other side is coming from. It isn't easy but it's usually worth it.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Schultz on March 27, 2012 at 12:35pm

Well, if you do burn a bridge in this modern information era. be sure to blow up all roads leading to it.

I think being direct is a good way. Some folks harbor resentment for a long time instead of getting it out right away. If

someone screws you, tell them so. If you screw someone, prepare to be told. Then everyone gets on with their bridge crossings.

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Permalink Reply by David King on March 27, 2012 at 3:24pm

By the looks of that photo, at minimum, it takes a swimsuit, a row boat and a pair of oars!

Seriously, are there bridges that need not be crossed ever again? DEFINITELY. However, no matter how tempting, I would caution anyone from being the person that lights the match.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Poreda on March 27, 2012 at 6:34pm

I agree with Bill...just would say it in a slightly different way...

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Permalink Reply by Valentino Martinez on March 27, 2012 at 8:23pm

Avoid burning bridges at all costs unless you are a bridge builder.

However, some bridges need to be burned for your own good and for the good of others...

http://www.recruitingblogs.com/photo/burning-bridges

PS--really like the picture you have here, Tim. That damn bridge is on FIRE!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Schultz on March 28, 2012 at 1:39am

How's the real estate biz?

Christopher Poreda said:

I agree with Bill...just would say it in a slightly different way...

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Poreda on March 28, 2012 at 7:35am

Just like the recruiting business...coming out of the recession and poised for an amazing couple of years.

Bill Schultz said:

How's the real estate biz?

Christopher Poreda said:

I agree with Bill...just would say it in a slightly different way...

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Permalink Reply by Jody Simon on March 28, 2012 at 11:21am

LOL. Timely question. You and I must be on the same page today! I just posted a blog today called "Funny Thing That Road Rage Taught Me" addressing burning bridges. Great minds......

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Permalink Reply by Brian K. Johnston on March 28, 2012 at 2:02pm

Love and Respect

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Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on March 28, 2012 at 5:53pm

Believe it or not sometimes i just keep my mouth shut.

Also was great when i learned to say, "Oh really?" instead of "Bullshit"

However, sometimes burning bridges beats the devil out of throwing somebody in the river so you can watch them drown while you eat corn nuts. At least if you burn a bridge you have a head start or you never have to go that way again. If i burn one it is not acidental and everybody knows why and that it will not be rebuilt, noway, nohow.