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Editors' Choice Article Bridges' Transition Model Guiding People Through Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Transition Model was created by change consultant, William Bridges, and was published in his 1991 book "Managing Transitions." The main strength of the model is that it focuses on transition, not change. The difference between these is subtle but important. Change is something that happens to people, even if they don't agree with it. Transition, on the other hand, is internal: it's what happens in people's minds as they go through change. Change can happen very quickly, while transition usually occurs more slowly. The model highlights three stages of transition that people go through when they experience change. These are:
Let's examine each stage in greater detail. Stage 1: Ending, Losing, and Letting Go People enter this initial stage of transition when you first present them with change. This stage is often marked with resistance and emotional upheaval, because people are being forced to let go of something that they are comfortable with. At this stage, people may experience these emotions:
Guiding People Through Stage One It's important to accept people's resistance, and understand their emotions. Allow them time to accept the change and let go, and try to get everyone to talk about what they're feeling. In these conversations, make sure that you listen empathically and communicate openly about what's going to happen. Emphasize how people will be able to apply their skills, experience, and knowledge once you've implemented the change. Explain how you'll give them what they need (for instance, training and resources) to work effectively in the new environment. People often fear what they don't understand, so the more you can educate them about a positive future, and communicate how their knowledge and skills are an essential part of getting there, the likelier they are to move on to the next stage. Stage 2: The Neutral Zone In this stage, people affected by the change are often confused, uncertain, and impatient. Depending on how well you're managing the change, they may also experience a higher workload as they get used to new systems and new ways of working. Think of this phase as the bridge between the old and the new; in some ways, people will still be attached to the old, while they are also trying to adapt to the new. Here, people might experience:
Guiding People Through Stage Two Your guidance is incredibly important as people go through this neutral period. This can be an uncomfortable time, because it can seem unproductive, and it can seem that little progress is being made. Because people might feel a bit lost, provide them with a solid sense of direction. Remind them of team goals, and encourage them to talk about what they're feeling. Meet with your people frequently to give feedback on how they're performing, especially with regard to change. It's also important to set short-term goals during this stage, so that people can experience some quick wins; this will help to improve motivation as well as giving everyone a positive perception of the change effort. Also, do what you can to boost morale and continue to remind people of how they can contribute to the success of the change. If required, you may also want to help people manage their workloads, either by reprioritizing some types of work, or by bringing in extra resources. Stage 3: The New Beginning The last transition stage is a time of acceptance and energy. People have begun to embrace the change initiative. They're building the skills they need to work successfully in the new way, and they're starting to see early wins from their efforts. At this stage, people are likely to experience:
As people begin to adopt the change, it's essential that you help them sustain it. Use techniques like Management by Objectives to link people's personal goals to the long-term objectives of the organization, and regularly highlight stories of success brought about by the change. Take time to celebrate the change you've all gone through, and reward your team for all of their hard work. However, don't become too complacent - remember that not everyone will reach this stage at the same time, and also remember that people can slip back to previous stages if they think that the change isn't working.
Key Points Change consultant William Bridges developed and published the Transition Model in his 1991 book "Managing Transitions." The model highlights the difference between change and transition. Change happens to people. Transition, on the other hand, is internal: it's what happens inside people's minds when they're presented with change. You can use the model to understand how people feel as you guide them through change. It has three distinct stages:
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A Final Note
Remember that the tools we've discussed here are not only useful in formal change projects - change happens all of the time, so you can use them in a variety of situations. Next week, our focus is on preventing "manager dependency." See you then!  James Manktelow Email us Mind Tools Essential Skills for an Excellent Career! |
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