Knowledge Resource Centre

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change

William Bridges

Transitional change can be challenging and disorienting for both individuals and companies. Managing through tumultuous transformation is therefore key to success. William Bridges, best-selling author and veteran business consultant, deals deftly with two often confused areas: situational and personal change. He crucially separates situational shifts or ‘changes’ from the psychological and personal ‘transitions’ that accompany them.

Throughout, he explains that successful organisational change takes place when employees have a purpose, a mental picture, a plan for, and a part to play in change. In short, successful change takes place only when employees are truly ‘on board’. Full of practical advice and case studies, this updated and revised edition contains a thorough and clear understanding of the main topics by answering key questions about change such as “how does transition affect employees?” or “what can employees achieve within an organisation?”

The book introduces the concept of a transitional process with three stages. The first details how we must let go of the past before moving on. The second discusses the 'Neutral Zone', which is the uncertain time of confusion and creativity. This exists between the ending and the new beginning. The final stage describes 'The New Beginning', where care must be taken to ensure all that can be done has been done, before letting go. Bridges builds on this concept and incorporates it into useful chapters:
 

• It Isn't the Changes That Do You In
• How to Get People to Let Go
• Leading People Through the Neutral Zone
• Launching a New Beginning
• Transition, Development, and Renewal
• How to Deal with Nonstop Change

Directed at managers at all levels, this best-seller provides practical, step-by-step strategies for reaching goals and for minimizing disruptions caused by workplace change. It is an invaluable managerial tool for conceptualising and managing change.