Relationship Bridges Were Not Meant to be Built

I have used the phrases “build a bridge” and “don’t burn bridges” repeatedly in my career. Recently I was discussing a natural and predictable, but unacceptable and unsustainable, division of teams at Florence and said:

“We don’t need to build a bridge. Bridges are for obstacles. We need to work through the obstacle and build collaboration!”

It suddenly occurred to me that in business we may have been given, and giving, the wrong advice – “Don’t burn bridges!” Perhaps we should have said, “Build relationships.” “Remove obstacles.” “Drive collaboration.” “Do it right and bridges are not required.” #NoBridges

Why?

Let’s check out what Webster defined a bridge as:

Bridge \ ˈbrij\ : a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle (such as a river) a bridge connecting the island to the mainland. (1)

Read that a few times. No solution is suggested. In the definition the depression or obstacle will always exist and the bridge you build will always be required. This is no biggie when it traverses something beautiful. People drive a long distance to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It is A TOURIST destination after all.

Trust me – no one will travel to visit the relationship bridge you build.

Geez, if I cannot build a bridge then what should I do?

OVERCOME the obstacle. 

Break down the barrier. Sit down and have a candid conversation (read the book Radical Candor for advice). Get to know each other as PEOPLE and not barriers to checking something off your checklist.

Make communication your building block. 

Why? Because –

Relationship bridges were not meant to be built. – AGN

“When you were born you were given one opportunity to be yourself, build a legacy, and make a difference.  Make It Count.”  – Angela Gill Nelms

Reference:

(1) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridge accessed 24 NOV 2020