Burning Bridges
Image via Wikipedia
I don’t think most of us go out of our way to create enemies. But many people constantly poison their well for the future. Here are some recent stories that have been related to me.
“My boss is an idiot.”
Maybe these aren’t the exact words, but people email or text this to a trusted friend. The friend could forward it where it is benignly at the bottom of a forward to someone else. I also know of a lady who was out of the office and needed an address off her computer and asked her boss to find it for her. He found more that just the address.
“Let me tell you how bad my company is.”
On an interview situation, some people can’t shut up. When asked why they are leaving, they tee off on their current employer. Adding insult to injury, they may even let some confidential information slip.
“I am so out of here!”
When a person resigns, they are expected to give adequate notice to effect an orderly turnover. Traditionally, that is a minimum of 10 working days. Giving less time is usually completely disruptive and can cause the current company a potential loss.
“Don’t forget to set the alarm, we have a big presentation tomorrow.”
Dating someone in the office is very efficient but not very smart. Forget about the easy stuff like being the brunt of office gossip. The truly dark side rears up when you break up and one of the two parties feels wronged.
Do you have other additions?
Your guide to advancing a career in integrated marketing communications. Subscribe by RSS 
July 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Ugh, I know exactly what you’re talking about Tony. I cringe when I think of some of the things I’ve heard people say about past employers or ex-bosses in professional settings.
The thought always creeps through my mind, “Well if that’s how they felt about that person, how do I know they don’t feel that way about me?”
And as my old boss used to say, “You don’t get your money where you get your honey!”
July 10th, 2008 at 9:00 am
People don’t realize that, in an interview situation with us, when we are screening them on a search, we downgrade them for these comments. And, they may stay in their record.