“Transition is the process of letting go of the way things used to be and then taking hold of the way they subsequently become. In between the letting go and the taking hold, there is a chaotic but potentially creative ‘neutral zone’ when things aren’t the old way, but aren’t really a new way yet either.”
―William Bridges, PhD
“The Way of Transition”
Today many of us are discovering new ways to operate as leaders and as people, while we are in the neutral or middle zone … in between what was and what is becoming normal.
And the middle is messy.
Yet it’s also where the MAGIC happens, according to bestselling author and speaker, Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW.
Leaders who embrace this uncertainty, then adapt courageously and with a bias for action will rise and create magic. And we can do this together.
My number-one tip for leaders:
My number-one tip for leaders navigating uncertain times is not to try and do it alone.
Tap into your community. Connect with peer groups outside your organization, your industry and your geography to learn, problem solve, brainstorm ideas and support other leaders.
I’ve seen clients in bio-tech get innovative ideas for new go-to-market strategies from their peers in consumer products. And I’ve watched new collaborations form in socially distanced volunteer activities and Zoom C-level forums.
I’ve seen new innovations be co-created in leadership teams who have redefined innovation in how they work on mundane day-to-day short-term tasks. They have pushed each other to be innovative in the way they ask questions, refine/streamline processes and define problems.
During stressful times (and especially in these socially distanced ones) we can put our heads down and forget to reach out and brainstorm or collaborate with our peers. But tapping into each other and working together to solve problems and generate new ideas is where magic happens.
My challenge to you:
My challenge to you is to reach out to your groups or even to one person who’s made a difference in your career. I think you’ll be glad you did.
