Burn Ladders. Build Bridges: Pursuing Work With Meaning + Purpose

by Alan M. Patterson

“Patterson doesn’t offer tricks, gimmicks, or slogans of ten-steps-to-happiness. This is a book of deep wisdom as well as practical advice. Anyone who reads it will be wiser—and happier on the job—for it.” – Mark Walters, Professor, University of South Florida Burn Ladders. Build Bridges. undoes the status-quo of career enhancement. Tearing up the playbook and finding breakthrough ways to create impact, build meaning, fuel your passion to do bigger, greater things–while enjoying the entire journey. No matter what stage you’re currently in. Maybe you’re going from college to career and wondering how on earth you’re going to unlock all the business world has to offer. Or maybe you’re the experienced professional who wants more out of their lot in life and to make work abundantly more fulfilling . Or maybe you want to be that leader–the one who connects . Engages. Inspires. But haven’t had the mentor or the training to set you up for success. No matter what your goals, what lies on these pages can put you on a path. An enlightening one. Unlike other career wisdom, you’ll find the balance of theory and practicality . Of success and connection. And be able to demonstrate leadership and find your purpose in whatever position you’re in, organization you work for or business you create. Burn Ladders. Burn Bridges. is ready to help you find the inherent joy in it all. Are you?

140 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2022

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burn Bridges. Build Ladders puts a framework around what I've been unwittingly practicing for my livelihood for the past 30+ years.

A more fitting title, albeit without the alliterative Bs, would be Ignore Ladders. Build Bridges. Never Burn Ladders, rather practice conscious indifference to the illusion of Ladders. Sociopathic corporate con men benefit from our belief in ladders. But here's the thing:

Ladders don't exist for most people!

One must create one's own work-life fulfillment.

A new promotion, a fancy title, a year-end bonus, or a modest bump in salary are the death rattles of late stage capitalism. They are hollow compensations, and ultimately disappointing distractions.

I learned this life lesson during my first corporate employment in the early 1990s. It was a hard pill to swallow. Recognizing I had to seed and feed my own career fulfillment opened up my capacity to grow.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a hidden treasure that not only provides effective strategies for leadership but also emphasizes the significance of discovering a meaningful purpose in any role, organization, or business endeavor. Instead of presenting abstract theories, the book immerses you in practical insights. This literary gem came into my life precisely when I needed it most. I was on a quest for inspiration and direction on my personal career path, and this book happened to be a true source of profound wisdom. I wholeheartedly suggest this book to anyone in search of not only improving their leadership abilities but also unearthing a deep sense of purpose in their endeavors. A transformative read for me

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Alan M. Patterson has written a guide that speaks with clarity and insight about the changes that have been happening in different business models in recent decades. The incorporation of technology, and consequently, changes in the way of working, have made the traditional "ladder climbing", as described in the book, no longer relevant. The author explains the importance of building bridges, both for people just entering the business world and for those who have already built a career in it, and supports his explanation with data that helps readers succeed in this new business climate. Burn Ladders. Build Bridges is not only a very valuable book, but it is a very enjoyable read. It is packed with real-life advice that is very easy to understand and very useful.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that seeks to reexamine many of the ways people look at their careers and work in general. This is the perfect read for anyone who’s having a tough time navigating their professional lives. It talks about what it takes to be a leader in virtually any niche or industry. It also discusses how to forge more meaningful connections with those who you work with, whether they’re at your level, below you, or above you in the hierarchy.

It's easy for people to get burned out with work sometimes, and this is a book that teaches you how to push past that. It’s all about restructuring your thinking. With this handy guide, you can find more meaning in your work, and hopefully, you can gain a general sense of contentment in the rest of your life as well.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many things that I really loved about this book. Just to mention one, I will say the humor the author uses throughout the pages is really infectious and admirable. Also, the title and cover were not something that went unnoticed for my eyes; besides being catchy, it is highly mysterious and invites the reader to take a look at its content.
Last but not least, I always find it a good visual resource to include graphics, drawings or diagrams in a book to help the reader understand better or simply to draw their attention. Having said all that, obviously, I absolutely enjoyed every single aspect of “Burn Ladders. Build Bridges”

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Burn Ladders. Build Bridges by Alan M. Patterson, we find a remarkable guide that encourages us to reconsider our relationship with our jobs. Patterson's book emphasizes the importance of not just pursuing a pay check, but seeking true meaning and purpose in our professional lives. The author's insights and advice offer practical steps for transforming our careers into sources of personal fulfillment. His wisdom not only motivates but also provides actionable guidance, making it an essential read for those in search of a work-life that aligns with their core values. It's a highly recommended read for anyone seeking to redefine their connection with work.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Burn Ladders. Build Bridges: Pursuing Work With Meaning + Purpose" is a book written by Alan M. Patterson, an author and talent developer who was able to put his experience into words to help others.
Nowadays, it is pretty easy to get burned out with the amount of things we have in our minds, but Alan's writing inspires me to keep on moving, to find a new purpose at my work, and with steps by step-by-step process, I was able to understand how to build bridges and relationships that can lead me to new and better things. Fast-paced book that can definitely provide new insight and can even help with stage frights! I highly recommend it!

[Jay Izso · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for anyone before they embark on a new career or are about to change careers. This book tells the absolute truth when it comes to the frustrations that most people experience when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder, and gives tips, tools, and sound advice on how to take control of your own career destiny, and pursue a career with meaning and purpose. It is a quick read, but it is so full of useful practical advice that you can start working on right now. In my opinion a must read for college students and older adults wanting a career change.

[Candice Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone wants to be successful. When someone isn’t promoted, this can lead someone to feel upset. At the beginning of the book, Burn Ladders, Building Bridges written by Dr Alan Peterson discusses this scenario amongst other questions that people have in job scenarios. I like how the author addresses these questions calmly and rationally. There are times when I have been stuck in a rut with a particular job. A chapter in this book addresses that very thing. I hope you will find encouragement from this book.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a revolutionary guide that redefines the conventional approach to career development. "Burn Ladders. Build Bridges." inspires readers to find joy in every step of their journey, no matter where they are in their careers. It's a transformative read that will guide you towards a path of enlightenment, enabling you to lead, connect, and succeed in a way that resonates with your purpose. Patterson's book is a must-read for anyone looking to make work more meaningful and fulfilling.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on having a purpose for work. Though the title is catchy it’s a standard take on how to focus on purpose rather than focusing on growth (which will anyway happen if you focus on motivation) as per the author. Overall it’s just scratches the surface of the topic, and eventually gets into how to ask for a raise or a promotion etc - which sort d derails from the intent of this topic. Not a book a loved.