I suspect the only people happier than I am that the whole Leno vs. Conan flare-up has finally ended are the programming folks over at NBC. But let’s face it, the nightly monologues over the past two weeks really haven’t done any of the concerned parties any good. In fact, most of us would be well advised to avoid leaving a job in a manner similar to the way Mr. O’Brien left NBC late last week.

 

Virtually anyone who toils away in the world of work will leave a job, either by their own volition or not. When that occurs, it does absolutely no good to burn bridges by criticizing an employer or its leadership. It is impossible for any one person to know when they might need that former employer (for a reference) or when the employer might seek out the former employee’s usefulness yet again (an employer suddenly is able to rehire or a manager moves from one company to another and has slots to fill).  

 

Were I to advise another network, I’d recommend lots of caution before they name Mr. O’Brien host of their late night show. He now has an established track record. Should his program not succeed, he’ll blame others, while simultaneously spending his employers’ money in a wasteful and senseless way.