Welcome to The Journey, mini-issue No. 2

As a new entrepreneur, I’m learning a lot after spending >30 years in a corporate structure and environment. It’s so exciting and terrifying. I’d like to share what I’m learning as it relates to being vulnerable, curious and growth minded.  It may be messy, but please enjoy for any of the tidbits that resonate with you.

(Check out our website for more information and blog content www.aspiretogrow.co)

Change and Transition

The impact of change

A few of subscribers have asked for tips on change management.  One of my favorite illustrations of how we move through change is by William Bridges.  His work in the book, Transitions, is one of my favorites on how we help ourselves and others learn about the feelings and strategies related to change.

 Bridges presents the transitions as:

• Endings
• Neutral Zone
• New Beginnings

As we look at the graphic above, we see the emotions we feel, associated with change that we as friends, family members, selves or employees may experience. The first stage, Endings – we see that while we are experiencing a change in how we exist (no matter how small). During this stage our productivity may suffer.  This may be really hard for those of us in industries that have little down time.  We may feel disengaged, but also anxious for the tasks we need to manage. 

Do you see an employee (or self) struggling with engagement or productivity?  Is there something that person may be working through that may be related to an “Ending” (personally or work related)? 

The Neutral Zone is a tough place to be. Many times, we are still reeling from the change and perhaps feeling fear and confusion of what the new normal may be.  From an individual point of view, this may be an uncertain career pivot (what did I get myself into?) or perhaps a member of an organization going through a reorganization (will I have a role in this new structure?).  The uncertainty may feel numbing. The Neutral Zone can last a while.  It can feel good one day, and uncertain the next.  Help yourself and others through this by focusing on what we can control.  Acknowledge the small wins.

 Do you see an employee (or self) struggling with “being stuck”? Are they (or you) stagnant or disengaged, and being productive is really hard?  

The New Beginnings stage just sounds exciting – it’s when we see the great possibilities of the new thing!  It may be that new exciting role you’ve always dreamed to achieve.  It may be the exciting new structure of the company and new start. Productivity is gaining, and we feel new energy.   Take note – we can still fall back to the Neutral Zone when fear or the newness wears off, and we have doubt or uncertainties around new tasks or structure. This is normal. I try to remind myself (especially when I’m feeling doubt) the stage I am in.  

Why am I feeling this way?  Which stage am I in?  What can I control? 

As a leader, ask your employees and team members these questions to help them bring awareness to where and why they may be feeling this way.  Sometimes, awareness of this can be enlightening.  Once we name the stage, it may offer an opportunity to see beyond the stage. 

I’ll do a deeper dive into Change and transitions in the October Newsletter (please sign up if you are interested). 

Have a great week – go be awesome