Handling Transition

From a post industrial society to a highly technological society

From childhood to adulthood

From beginning or ending a relationship

From employee to manager

From working life to retirement

From health through illness—and back again

We live transition. Every day. On a big scale and on a very personal scale. And, the first transition I talk about on this list is probably having the most impact on how well we cope (or not) with the transitions in our personal lives.

The more people I talk to, I realize that no one really talks about how to adjust or prepare for transition that is constantly swirling around us. Is it because it’s so constant, we just wade through it?

There is an important conversation to be had. This high-tech society in which we live gives us less and less time to stop and ponder when what we really need is to give ourselves the permission to take our time as we walk through the transitions of life.

Over time, I’ve learned that a transition works ONLY when we accept in advance that our calendars are going to change. A transition is going to change your timing in life. Accepting a promotion, for example, means you are going to have to take some steps away from your own time.  Transition means that your whole “person” is changing along with it.

People don’t talk about the emotional changes – the anxiety, uncertainty, instability, and the loss. You will, no doubt, need to prepare and let go of some things to invite that transition into your life in a positive way.

Talk about it.

Give yourself time.

Process it – emotions and all.

How do you welcome something new into your life?

Storytelling as Language

“A true storyteller believes in what they are sharing and what they are doing.  When you listen to others and learn about their stories, you are better able to develop a more fruitful relationship with a client.” – Ssusan Forte O’Neill

We all love a good story. In fact, we’ve been telling stories for centuries – long before the written word. Yet, today, I am hard pressed to find individuals who can tell their story. Why is it such an important skill? Being a good storyteller is good for business.

Whether it is your company or you’re an employee moving up the ranks, you should know the company story by rote. It should roll off your tongue. Practice it regularly – along with your own story. You never know when, but you will inevitably be called upon to succinctly, charismatically describe yourself and/or your work. Are you able to do this in a room full of people, and captivate them, just as our elders did seated around a camp fire?

1) Know your product and know your product’s story.

2) Believe in what you do. When you don’t believe it what you do, telling your story is difficult.

3) Telling a story, genuinely, triggers empathy. Eloquence, creativity and critical-thinking are audible and translate positively—and immediately—in any presentation. The more you practice, the more you recognize the cues that others are engaging with, and relating to, what you are trying to communicate.

4 ) Prepare & listen. If you are meeting a new client, always, always, always do your homework. Learn as much as you can about their story. And, when you are there, in front of them, ask them to tell it to you, and listen. Really listen.  You are establishing a relationship whenever you engage with anyone – be it a room full of people or during a one-on-one meeting.

Think Break

At the start of the New Year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and

fall into the trap of quick responses and, ultimately, negative communications.  This year, I’m going to ask you to take a “THINK BREAK.”

Turn everything off. 15 minutes. 2 x day. 

Take a walk down the hall, or better yet, go outside.

BREATHE.

Clear the noise from all directions.

NOW you are ready to respond.

A Think Break is really about communication.

Conversation, dialogue and interaction are BIG commodities.

Take time to think about your day-to-day.

Take time to think about the bigger picture.

Be conscious.

Slow down and really think about the impact of everything you are saying, writing and doing.

Your New Year’s Resolution: Commitment

As  we grow ourselves through commitment, we are creating our destiny. Having and keeping commitments make us of greater value to those around us. As an anchor of strong belief, one is able to withstand the storm and still move forward…and move forward in life while guiding others.

Commitment in the workplace is about charting your way up the ranks of life to grow your destiny. It’s about the journey that drives you and will define your career. When you believe in what you are doing, you are self-motivated and take on the responsibility of growing your self. And, as we allow ourselves to think bigger and grow beyond our imagination, that ingenuity inspires and encourages others to do the same.

Commitment to growing oneself and one’s beliefs is not a selfish act, but a community act. The more we are committed to our beliefs, the more we grow our confidence, which in turn gives us the strength to help others and to lead.

Making and fulfilling commitments is what creates integrity within. Pause and reflect on your performance over the last year. How did you do with your past commitments? Taking the time to reflect will ignite the energy to continue honoring a current commitment, as well as bring new ones into focus. 

Why not start with “commitment” as your New Year’s Resolution and make a conscious step forward on the path ahead. Commit to advancing your own journey and see where it will take you—and those around you.