Leading with Heart: Navigating Transitions at Work
You may have noticed that I’ve been out of touch for a while. Life does have a way of diverting attention and hijacking to-do lists! If there’s anything we can count on as human beings, it’s that change is the one reliable constant.
And change means transitions.
There’s some interesting research on transitions. A recognized pioneer and expert in transition research is Nancy K. Schlossberg, EdD (96 years old and still contributing her expertise). Her Transition Theory defines a transition as anything that changes “relationships, routines, assumptions, or roles,” that is perceived to be a transition by the person experiencing it. That last part is key. If you feel it, it has come.
And if we, as friends, colleagues, and leaders, want to lead with heart by supporting someone who’s feeling a life transition, it helps to understand what type of transition it is and what the impact might be so we can provide better support. Because, as Schlossberg notes, the strength of someone’s coping resources, including their support system, informs how they’ll handle the transition and come out the other side.
The two major types of transitions are:
Anticipated Transitions: These are predictable changes based on our goals, such as getting an enhanced certification, structuring new partnerships, planning a wedding, anticipating retirement, renovating a space, redesigning a website, and so on. Of course, that doesn’t mean things always go as planned! When they do, we feel great—validated even. When they don’t, we don’t feel so great, at least initially. But it does provide life learning that might lead us down a different, exciting path.
Unanticipated Transitions: These are the gut punches that come out of nowhere, such as the death of a loved one, severe family health challenges, or being forced to quickly find a new living situation. We’ve got no choice but to adapt: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” (as Churchill may or may not have said). These unanticipated emotional hits certainly feel like hell in the short term but they’re chances for major growth in the long run. But unqualified support is important here!
At EPI over the past few months, our team members have been going through both types of transitions, with all the situations I’ve mentioned. It’s been a lot! At times we’ve felt like we’re hanging on by our fingernails.
But we always hang in there. Many things are out of our control except how we react to others. Thanks to the heartfelt support we give and get from one another, we’ve been able to show our tender underbellies without fear and keep moving forward.
There are three essential aspects to being a good human during times of intense change.
Empathy. When someone is going through a difficult transition, particularly an unanticipated one, empathy is everything. It helps us recognize contextual nuances and provide individualized support.
Respect. My daughter and I visited Japan recently, and one thing we were continually struck by is the entrenched culture of respect. Show respect and you’ll receive it in return, and harmony can be restored in even the toughest situations.
Flexibility. If a coworker is going through a major life transition—positive or negative—it’s likely to be challenging for everyone in one way or another. Find ways to provide flexibility with project assignments, working hours, or time off, and make room for supportive check-ins with the whole team.
Leading with heart when your team is going through a significant transition will help each of you retain a sense of agency over your work and lives. And if you need any assistance as you and your teammates navigate change, please reach out to EPI for a helping—and very human—hand.
-Michelle Kelly, CEO (Chief Enjoyment Officer)
Recommended Reading
Sharing Too Much: Musings From an Unlikely Life
by Richard Paul Evans
When life gets busy and I don’t have as much time to read, I often turn to books with short stories or essays. Sharing Too Much is one of those books.
Gifted to me by my mom, these inspirational and heartfelt essays have given me a lot of enjoyment over the past couple of months. And it’s often the case that the message comes at just the right time.
If you’re looking for a sweet book with inspiring lessons, this gem might be for you.
More Good Stuff from EPI
