HOW THIS BOOK CAN WORK FOR YOU:
Work through the book on-your-own
Work through this book in groups, such as a book club
Contact Jonnetta "Coach" Chambers to deliver a keynote speech based on one or more of the core concepts of this book
Contact Jonnetta "Coach" Chambers to discuss hiring her as a personal coach to you or your employee(s) for maximum support as you work to achieve success
Contact Jonnetta "Coach" Chambers to host a workshop based on the core concepts of this book, such as:
- SUCCESS Does Not Come On a Silver Platter: Planning for Success Really Does Matter
- Eleven Skills You Need Before You Can Lead
- If You Have Not Achieved Your Mission, Do You Understand the Vision?
- Calling All Diamonds in the Rough: Seeking Shining Stars, Precious Gems, and Even the Stubborn-Cuts!
- Ten Strategies You Can Use to Ace Your Job Interview
- Being a Career Capitalist in a Challenging Economy
- Articulating a Winning Attitude & Achieving Professional Success
- Intellectual Investments for the 21st Century Career Capitalist
- Working Wise & Planning for Prosperity
- Creating Your Vision & Navigating Your Success
- Wake-Up & Live Your Life: Embracing Change & Staking Your Claim
- Waiting to Excel? Start Fulfilling Your Dreams & Creating Life's Guarantees
- STOP Making Excuses for Why You're Not Moving: It Takes a Plan of Action to Achieve Life Satisfaction!
CUSTOM WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE!
Get on the road to success ... start with this book! ... Get on the road to success ... start with this book!
A 2003 "R.R. Bowker Recommended" Book!
CHAPTER #23: Distinguishing Bridges From Ridges
Approximately two years ago, I was at a leadership luncheon and carefully listened to a conversation between two young women. Both harbored a great zeal to move-up the company ladder. The portion of their conversation which struck my attention was their strategy to penetrate the network of the good ole' boys.
Each had zero interest in the game of golf, though entertained the idea of learning to play as a means to begin socializing with the good ole' boys, specifically, to escalate their career and financial opportunities. What was more important than their conversation and these perspectives is the inference I drew that (they perceived) this strategy could (potentially) weigh heavily on their ability to succeed or not.
"Hmm... very interesting," I thought. I made no comment at that time, except to share that this book would be released soon, encouraging both to purchase a copy. Fifteen minutes of unsolicited coaching to people I had no relationship with was not going to provoke great thought. Reading this book provides a more comprehensive opportunity to take a closer look from a more objective, self-centered perspective.
There should be a realization that every person is not meant to build relationships with every person she or he encounters. Essentially, success does not have to be manipulated. Others have and will continue to argue otherwise. During our pursuits to achieve personal and professional success we build bridges with people — strong partnerships built on mutual trust which "typically" has a long duration. On other occasions we create ridges with people — short- lived interactions built on superficial interactions, coupled with a low level of trust, which "typically" have a short or temporary duration. Clearly, each relationship is on the opposite ends of a spectrum. Bridges are built when there is a fit between the people who build them, whereas ridges are built when there is not.
What you are encouraged to decide when seeking to forge relationships with other people are four things:
- What are your intentions for the relationship?
- What do you plan to contribute?
- What do you expect to receive?
- Do you know what the other participant(s)' perspectives are as well?
The answers to these questions could easily help one deduct whether or not their relationship will likely be a bridge or a ridge. More important, personal and professional success usually does not happen through forging ridges. People who have a lot of ridge relationships step on toes and work to achieve (their version of) success at all costs. Let's just say they burn their ridges. When you think about it, a real bridge cannot be burnt, therefore it was a ridge in the first place.
If you are able to build bridges, there is no need to create ridges to help you achieve success. When you build a bridge, success is enjoyed and your support has longevity. When you build a ridge, success can be lonely and your support is temporary. Which would you prefer?
