Don’t Burn Bridges (PLEASE)

Yup, that is him

A long time ago, while working at a nonprofit here in Florida, I met a nice young man…let’s call him Robert. He had a sparkle. He was smart. But most of all, he was curious.

He asked thoughtful questions with genuine interest, and that curiosity set him apart.

Eventually, we both moved on from that organization, but we stayed in touch—celebrating milestones with quick “congrats” on social media.

Robert was just one of the many amazing young people I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. Some I was able to coach, many I keep in touch with—even a few from my radio days. 

Maybe I taught them something along the way, but I can tell you this: they’ve absolutely taught me a lot.

So, what does this have to do with burning bridges?

“We Travel with the Same People”

An old boss of mine once said: “We travel with the same people throughout our lives.”

At the time, I remember thinking—WHAT ON EARTH DOES THAT MEAN?

It took me a while to understand, but in the nonprofit world, I’ve seen just how true it is.

Go to any networking event, and you’ll see familiar faces everywhere. Some are still at the same organizations. Many have moved—sometimes more than once. (Turnover never stops…but that’s a blog for another day.

Most greet you with a smile and a warm hello. But there are always a few who left on bad terms—and they’re the ones who tend to avoid you.

That’s why, at Team Kat & Mouse, we’ve often reminded people:

• Come in like a lady—leave like a lady.

• Great Resignation Rule #1: Don’t leave angry.

Even though those posts have a little dust on them, the advice still holds true.

Or as Ben reminded me with a quote from the poet Rumi:“

Bring anger and pride under your feet, turn them into a ladder, and climb higher.”

And as I like to say: 

The person you dislike today might be your best friend tomorrow—once they’ve learned the lessons they needed to learn.

More about Robert

Robert’s journey proves the point. 

He kept learning and growing, building experience in leadership, communications, and outreach. He worked for two wonderful organizations, rose through the ranks, got married, and even welcomed a baby.

Recently, he applied for a new job. And not just any job—it was with a HUGE multinational company that only hires the best.

He saw the posting because he was connected on LinkedIn with one of my closest contacts—someone I consider like a sister.

Robert interviewed, impressed the recruiters, and won over my contact…all without a word from me.

This September, he begins a new adventure. He’ll bring the smarts, persistence, and joy he’s always had, along with the experience he’s gained, to a company where I know he’ll continue thriving under great mentorship.

The Lesson

As I’ve said before: come in like a lady (or gentleman), and leave like a lady (or gentleman).

Because you never know where your next adventure will take you—or who might help you get there or be the speed bump in the road.

For more insights into nonprofit fundraising—not to mention training, tactics, and tools to help you raise funds during uncertain times—reach out to Team Kat & Mouse.

P.S.- If you have left mad–It is never too late to make it right with an old boss or colleague. Owning your youth, inexperience or bad behavior will set you free. I learned about  NOT burning bridges early in my career (I was 22) and flew back to Buffalo to apologize to an old boss for leaving without notice. We hugged-all was forgiven :)