Don’t Burn That Bridge—Your Future Self Might Need It

Ever wanted to send that scathing email or slam the door shut after someone disappointed you? We all have. But here’s the hard truth: Don’t burn that bridge—your future self might need it. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I dive into one of the most overlooked leadership strategies: choosing compassion over retaliation, even when you feel wronged. Especially when you feel wronged. Because the way you show up during conflict doesn’t just define your character—it shapes your future opportunities. The Real Reason We Lash Out—and Why We Must Resist When someone quits unexpectedly, underdelivers, or betrays your trust, your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode. The amygdala floods your system with cortisol. Logic shrinks. Ego inflates. We react from fear, not clarity. But strong leaders don’t lead from reactivity. They lead from ownership. Unfortunately, business culture conditions us to compete at all costs. We’re taught to dominate, win, and protect what’s “ours.” That scarcity mindset convinces us that success is limited—and anyone who threatens ours must be the enemy. But real leadership requires a different path. Mic Drop Moment: “You don’t need to win every time to be successful. You need to lead every time with integrity.” The Law of Unexpected Returns Here’s the magic: the kindness you extend today often circles back to benefit you later. Sometimes years later. Maybe it’s the employee you part ways with gracefully who refers top talent to you later. Or the competitor you treat respectfully who becomes your partner in a surprising venture. The point is: you never know. And in tight-knit industries, your reputation is your currency. Mic Drop Moment: “Every interaction is a seed—and the most valuable harvests come from the bridges you didn’t burn.” Compassion Isn’t Weakness. It’s Strategy. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning poor behavior. It means not carrying resentment. You can set boundaries and still choose compassion. You can walk away from someone and still treat them with grace. Mic Drop Moment: “Just because the relationship looks like this today doesn’t mean it will look like this forever.” The long game of leadership means leaving the door open—even if it’s only a crack. Five Ways to Lead With Compassion—Even When It’s Hard 1. Pause before reacting. Ask yourself: “What’s the story I’m telling myself right now?” 2. Assume positive intent. Even if you’re hurt. Especially if you’re hurt. 3. Use “I” statements. Lead with your truth, not with blame. 4. Reach out with grace. A kind message can shift everything. 5. Zoom out. Will this matter five years from now? How do you want to be remembered? Key Takeaways • Lashing out is human. Leading with ownership is leadership. • Scarcity thinking creates enemies. Long-term thinking builds networks. • Your reputation travels. People remember how you made them feel. • Grace is strategic. Leave room for future reconnection. • Forgiveness fosters emotional maturity, team health, and future growth. Call to Action: Lead With Integrity, Even in Discomfort Think of one person you’ve mentally written off. Someone you feel hurt by. Ask yourself: • What kind of relationship would I want with them in five years? • What’s one small act of compassion I can offer—today? Maybe it’s a message. Maybe it’s just letting go. Either way, take the high road. Because your future self just might thank you. Connect with Kerry Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/