Transitions Aren't Always Clean or Chosen

Transitions aren’t always clean or chosen.

Sometimes they arrive with excitement and possibility. And sometimes they come out of the blue, with uncertainty, disruption or even loss.

Whether it's a move to a portfolio career, a step up, down or out - it can be extremely confusing and confronting time, before, during and after.

What I see from sitting with several leaders in these moments is that it's not just a change of role, but of identity.

At the Executive or CEO level, you tend to absorb some of the organisation into your DNA. You also care deeply for your people, communities and clients.

For many of the people I work with, it's not just a position but a calling. So, an ending is more a break-up than a departure - even if it it's your decision. More so when it's not.

In my experience, what people need in this messy middle is the chance to make sense of their experience, clarify immediate next steps and start exploring future options.

It's re-defining your smarts, wants and needs. It's a steady hand to ride the rollercoaster of emotions thought the doubts, fears and joys as options unfold, and help to make the right decisions for your future self.

It’s also where you get honest about what you actually need, rather than what you 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 do, for the next evolution of your work life.

Most importantly, it's to determine who you have become and what you really want. Where your unique value fits and the courage to hold the line as you move towards it.

If you've been through a significant career transition, what helped you most to navigate through it?