ANN/AFP/THE STAR – If you thought that questionable flirting techniques were confined to the dating world, think again.
The language of love is increasingly making its way into the office, along with its share of dubious practices.
After “ghosting,” here comes “breadcrumbing” – a technique well known to wounded hearts that’s now wreaking havoc in the professional world.
Imagine the scene. Your manager has been talking to you for months about a major project for which you would be THE ideal person.
Or about a salary increase that’s “in the works.” You believe it, you’re fully invested, you put in extra effort and extra time… but still, nothing.
You get just enough encouragement to keep you going, yet it never seems to bring it to fruition. In such situations, you’re a victim of the workplace version of “breadcrumbing.”
This practice refers to the little “crumbs” thrown here and there to keep up someone’s hopes.
These are often small signs of interest such as sporadic text messages or “likes” on social networks, sent to keep someone interested, without ever committing.
It’s a fool’s game that’s reminiscent of courtly love in the Middle Ages, where keeping someone hanging supposedly maintained desire.
In the world of work, “breadcrumbing” translates into vague promises, spurious progress and phantom projects. They lure you in with positive discourse, but in the end, you’re going round in circles.
The most ironic aspect is that it’s not always a deliberate method of manipulation. Sometimes managers simply have nothing concrete to offer and prefer to remain ambiguous rather than risk losing an employee.
Transparency in the face of “breadcrumbing”
But sometimes it’s more calculated. According to a survey by Resume Builder, 62 per cent of managers admit to posting fake job offers – the infamous “ghost jobs” – to put pressure on employees. The idea is to show anyone who’s “quiet quitting” that they are easily replaceable. And sometimes, the hope is that the employee, tired of receiving only crumbs, will end up resigning of their own accord.
In other words, “breadcrumbing” turns hope into a real management tool. But how do you know if you’ve fallen into the trap of this strategy? The signs are often subtle, such as a “great job!” only being said when you talk about taking a break, some feedback that you end up waiting for all year, or career promises that evaporate as if by magic.
Another telling symptom is when you’re entrusted with tasks that are neither really strategic nor totally insignificant… just flattering enough to keep you busy, but never enough to let you reach your full capabilities.
To escape from this vicious circle, it’s advisable to accelerate and take action. Request a meeting with your line manager to discuss your aspirations and training needs. Politely ask for deadlines, objectives and commitments. And don’t hesitate to remind them of your achievements: they are your strongest asset in the company.
Also bear in mind that a manager who “breadcrumbs” is not always acting maliciously. They may simply lack training, resources or confidence. But without frank dialogue, vague promises can quickly become a trap.
So the next time you notice a discrepancy between words and actions, take a step back. Analyse the facts, ask the right questions, and make an informed decision as to whether your work environment still allows you to grow or whether it’s time to consider other opportunities.
