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Sep 13, 2016 · Shutterstock. Everybody has heard the expression "Never burn a bridge." What does it mean to burn a bridge? It means that you end a relationship in such a way that you could never go back and...
Jun 28, 2023 · Is 'burning bridges' a career killer? Why 'burning bridges' may not be a career killer. 28 June 2023. By Leah Carroll,Features correspondent. Getty Images. Leaving workplaces on bad terms...
- Overview
- What does it mean to burn bridges?
- 25 ways to make sure you don't burn bridges
Video: How To Say Goodbye to a Coworker
Learn how to say goodbye to a coworker whether it's you or a coworker that is moving on to a new role.
Leaving a job on good terms is important for ensuring positive references, building your network and maintaining your professional reputation. There are many steps you can take to make sure employers, coworkers and associates maintain a positive perception of you and the work you do. If you're worried about burning bridges, reviewing best practices can help you keep your relationships strong and your future opportunities secure.
In this article, we explain what it means to burn bridges and list 25 ways you can preserve your working relationships and connections.
Burning bridges is an idiomatic expression that means your actions have made it so you can no longer rely on past relationships or privileges. When exiting a position, the impression you leave on those around you can have a profound effect on your future opportunities. Even if you don't think you'll encounter certain individuals again, remaining pr...
1. Remain professional
One way to ensure you don't burn bridges is to always remain professional. In your conversations with prospective employers, past and future coworkers and your manager, stay professional and cordial. After you exit your job, use your best judgment to determine how appropriate it is to become casual. Leaving work rarely gives you a license to use profanities, profess romantic feelings or complain about a past position. While you might have friendships from a previous position that you hope to maintain through your transition, stay conscious of your actions and words for the duration of your working relationship.
2. Be honest
Throughout your transition, remain honest and transparent about why you're leaving your position. If you don't feel comfortable telling your supervisor the truth, explain that you'd like to keep the circumstances of your departure private. This is important because it helps you maintain your reputation as an honest employee, even if you think an excuse or lie is easier for your employer to accept.
3. Return company equipment
Make sure you've returned all your company's equipment before you leave your position. They might intend to reuse supplies and electronics with your replacement. If there's something you want to keep, consider asking your employer if you can take it with you when you leave. They might allow you to keep some items with permission.
Jul 13, 2023 · Sometimes ‘burning bridges’ at work is the right thing to do. Here’s why and when to do so. Over the course of my career, I have learned that the stigma of ‘burning bridges’ often holds...
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Dec 6, 2022 · Conventional wisdom tells us never to burn bridges as we may need to cross them again. There are defining moments that require bucking convention to succeed. Knowing when and how to...
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Jan 25, 2023 · In this blog post, we’ll look at what "burning bridges" means and how to stop it, the importance of maintaining professional relationships, tips for rebuilding relationships after burning bridges, and strategies for avoiding burning bridges in the future.
May 10, 2021 · Never burn a bridge...you may live to regret it. Is that always the case? Here are some guidelines to help you decide to torch a relationship or not.
