To build a great career, don’t burn bridges

By Goretti Kimani

Building a successful career takes a combination of hard work among other factors. Many a time, people will work hard, only to water down their efforts by burning bridges as they move on.

 This undoing could worsen their prospects later in life. Consider Michael’s case for instance. When he quit his job three years ago, he gave his former boss a piece of his mind due to  his apparent heartlessness.

To his surprise, the former boss just joined Michael’s company as his new boss again. Michael is now lost for words and is contemplating quitting his job. Michael’s case is not unique. People tend to burn bridges in many ways in their career.

At college level, some people create enemies out of sheer ignorance and pride. This may happen with colleagues and even teachers.

 At the job search stage, some people take matters personally upon failing an interview. Such people may hit back with a strongly worded email or text message to prove a point — whether real or imagined. They forget they might cross roads with the same people later in life.

At work, some people get themselves alienated due to poor decisions, irrational behaviour and other forms of mischief at work.

When the time for reckoning comes, they find themselves alone, lacking the necessary support.

Others create sour relationships due to irrational judgment, poor interpersonal and people skills and sometimes pride, which tend to drive up the affinity for unwarranted conflict.  Others like Michael may create bad blood through improper conduct at transition — which tends to work greatly to their disadvantage.

As Michael belatedly learnt, building bridges rather than burning them is a much smarter option in life and careers as well.

 Life is full of surprises and there is no telling whose path you might cross in future. As such it is crucial to handle your matters with good old care, wisdom and foresight.  In addition you must ensure that your past is not riddled with mines waiting to explode at the slightest provocation.

 To start with, have a clear vision of your career. If you policy is to work for today, this may not make much sense. But if you intend to build a prosperous career, every action must be considered as a step in a long adventurous journey.

Do not give pride, ego, bitterness or thirst for revenge any space in your life. These provide good fodder for irrational and selfish behavior.

They should be avoided at all times. Avoid getting into the nasty habit of controversy and unwarranted arguments and disputes. If you wrong others, always apologise genuinely. Seek closure for all disputes that you are involved in.

Go out of your way to build genuine friendships, to help others and solve problems around you. Whatever you do, get yourself educated and enlightened where it matters.

 Ensure that you work hard to create a positive legacy for yourself, to be remembered for good reasons and not with nostalgia.

— The writer is a human resource specialist with Peoplelink Consultants Ltd. Email: [email protected]