Page 287 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

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Endings
Every transition begins with an ending. Some endings are chosen. Others
begin because of unavoidable circumstances or when something goes awry;
job termination is an example. In all cases, there is a disembarking or leaving
from something that was to something that is, whether anticipated or
unknown. Before new roots can be established, old ones must come out. Even
when you are looking forward to a new beginning, the effects of ending your
previous situation (at work and at home) should not be underestimated.

What endings have you experienced recently in one of your own life transi-
tions, and how did you deal with them? Did you effectively anticipate your
reactions to the ending experience?

How would you deal differently in the future with your endings? Write a self-
prescription of at least two or three ideas that could work for you.

The Neutral Zone
Bridges describes the neutral zone as a period of seemingly unproductive “time
out” when we feel disconnected from events, people, activities, or things that
we have come to know. This is an uncomfortable and confusing time. People
frequently feel mixed up and disoriented. It is a particularly frustrating and
sometimes depressing time because we aren’t sure what will come next.
The neutral zone is frequently associated with heightened anxiety and
anticipation. For leaders on the rise, it often occurs during that period between
ending one position and starting the new and expanded role. During this
period, many leaders slow down long enough to reflect and say, “My God, do
I really know what I am getting into?” This is sometimes a period of self-doubt