Want To Get Ahead? Stop Climbing The Career Ladder.

I recently spoke to the graduating classes at George Washington University’s School of Business and my alma mater, Brooklyn Law School and these experiences reminded me of how I felt on my graduation day. I was excited and proud but also unsure of my future path. My vision for the direction my life would take was fuzzy at best. Imagining a future in which I would be at the helm of the world’s largest accounting and professional services organization was not even on my radar. On paper, my odds for career progression weren’t great.

We climb ladders on our own, but we build bridges through the power of connection."

When I was starting out, and for decades afterwards, success was tied to climbing ladders. Following a defined path, climbing one rung at a time. But I didn’t get to where I am today by focusing on ladders. In fact, it was bridges. For me, there are three bridges in particular: those built for me, those I’ve built with others and those I build for others. We climb ladders on our own, but we build bridges through the power of connection. It’s a concept that’s probably more relevant today than it’s ever been.

So what can my experience teach 2014’s graduating class, or in fact anyone looking for more direction in their career?

1. Always remember the bridge that brought you to where you are today.

Experiences shape your identity. Who you become and what you achieve will always trace back to that bridge of belief stretching from your parents (or other significant people in your life) to you. For example, while my parents and in-laws didn’t pursue higher education they pushed me to succeed in ways they hadn’t. They didn’t go to college themselves, but they built the bridge that got me there.

Looking back on the career I’ve built for myself I’ve never forgotten the bridge that got me to where I am. It has an impact on every decision I make today and clearly on who I am as a leader.

2. Create connections.

Our greatest assets are no longer the “things” we produce, but the connections we make, the bridges we build. It’s an environment in which the spotlight shines on the “we” versus the “me.” Now more than ever, no one can go it alone—whether building a career or building a business. Seth Godin calls it “the connection economy.”

The good news is this concept is deeply understood among the generation graduating this year, and many others. But the true value of a bridge is only realized when people use it. The challenge lies in understanding how to leverage these connections to drive innovation, growth and ultimately advance goals and objectives, whether they’re personal or professional. The most valuable leaders are those who can bring people together and make big things happen.

3. Pave the way for others.

When we’re climbing the career ladder, we don’t pay enough attention to those coming up behind us. Some people think that for them to win, others need to lose. But in reality, we live in a world in which the success of one person is inextricably linked with the success of those around them. Just as we benefited from the bridges built for us, we must pay it forward for others.

No man is an island."

The world today can be uncertain. The economy has faced huge upheaval in the last decade, and that’s changed the way we look at our careers. Graduates today don’t expect to spend 40 years with the same company, climbing that ladder, one rung at a time. They want different things. To be inspired. To work abroad. To innovate. To start something of their own. To be part of something big.

And that’s just as well, because the big issues facing society today, from the opportunity/skills gap to climate change, will not be solved by one person, group, business or government. We must partner together to share insights, pool resources and generate innovative solutions. Great ideas mean very little if they don’t come to fruition. Perhaps more than any other generation, Millennials get this. A recent survey Deloitte conducted of Millennials globally found that they believe the success of a business should be measured in terms of more than just its financial performance, placing importance on a company’s focus on improving society. In addition, 63 percent of Millennials donate to charities, 43 percent actively volunteer or are a member of a community organization, and 52 percent have signed petitions of some sort. This gives me great confidence for the future.

English poet John Donne famously wrote: “No man is an island.” Today’s graduates, and anyone currently climbing their own career ladder, can achieve all they desire and more if they continue to focus on making connections, on forging their own path, and on building bridges.

What bridges have helped advance your career journey? Do you agree with my view on bridges versus ladders? Please add your voice to the conversation in the comments section below.

Barry Salzberg is the Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (www.deloitte.com/global). Click the 'Follow' link below to stay up to date with Barry's exclusive LinkedIn Influencer content.

Photo: Barry Salzberg at George Washington University. Credit: Grad Images.