How we deal with changes says a lot about us. When it comes to evaluating someone’s ability to navigate through a transition, about one-quarter of the population readily welcomes and embraces it. This leaves 75% of us that are resistant to such upheaval.
Yet we often find ourselves faced with rapidly changing circumstances evolving outside of our control, like Covid, for example. How we take on transition makes all the difference for our own peace of mind as well as the success and well-being of everyone around us.
Leadership research indicates there are three critical factors that contribute to successful transition adjustment:
Self-awareness: Are we in tune with what our actions and responses are telling us about how we’re managing stress?
Other-awareness: How are we monitoring others’ reactions to change?
Effective stress management: How are we assessing and managing varying stress reactions for the best overall response?
Noted transition management expert, Dr. William Bridges, outlines three distinct psychological stages we inevitably encounter when undergoing significant changes:
Stage 1 - Neutral Zone: The space between the old and the new; the old is gone but
the new is not yet fully established
Stage 2 - Ending: The letting go of what was
Stage 3 - New Beginning: The establishment of a new phase, including things like
fresh perspectives and understandings, values, attitudes, and relationships
The good news is there are recommended ways to embrace a transition. Adopting transition begins with honestly facing where you are.
Use these guidelines, to evaluate where you and your team stand. Ask yourself where you are currently in this process and where you want to be. With so many obstacles lying in wait, what do you need to do now to meet your goals?
In the meantime, please click here to arrange a complimentary discussion of strategies to help your business conquer transition.