Page 288 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

Creating Your New Life Integration 273

when our deepest fears emerge from our subconscious. In a moment of anx-
iety during a two-week hiatus before stepping into a new leadership role, one
newly appointed branch leader said, “Why am I doing this? I was so happy
doing my previous work. I’m not sure that I can handle this.”
The neutral zone is an important time, and it is crucial that you anticipate
it. It may be nature’s way of signaling a time out. On the surface, it may be an
unproductive period. Bridges calls it a “time of inattentive activity.” Others
have described it as a period of healing and a phase of developing new poten-
tial, energy, and direction. Its importance should not be underestimated; nor
should its existence be unexpected.

Describe your experiences with your own neutral zone. Tap into recent end-
ings and beginnings, and think about what was going on between these two
stages. List a few of your personal observations:

Bridges suggests how to find meaning in the neutral zone experience and how
to shorten it:

1. Find a regular time and place to be alone.
2. Begin a personal log of neutral zone experiences.
3. Take this pause in the action of your life to write an autobiography or
autobiographical thoughts. This may often lead to more reflection and
clearer personal insights.
4. Take this opportunity to discover what you really want. This is an excel-
lent period for clarifying what is really important in your life.
5. Think of what would be unlived in your life if it ended today.
6. Take a few days to go on your own journey, a personal rite of passage. 5

New Beginnings
Bridges indicates that we come to new beginnings only after an end, and when
6
activities are being started. While this is a period of great challenge and ques-
tioning, it is also an opportunity for new energy, direction, and success.