Transition (from The Voice)
Transition is movement from one state of existence to another. At a minimum it is change. At its best, the transition is progress! In the business arena, a transition is changing from one set of decision-makers to another set of decision-makers. Regarding the workforce, a transition is moving from unemployed (or underemployed) to fully employed. In personal relationships, a transition shifts an individual’s status from married to divorced. Among the elderly, a transition is proceeding from here to the hereafter. A transition results in an organization, group, or individual acting differently than it acted previously.
A transition requires a change of direction. If the movement is from a standing state to a moving state, that is not a transition. That is a launch. Transitions are different because the initial state of existence must involve activity. Then, there is redirection. Acquiring a business, finding employment, and leaving a relationship all require activity, and optimally, progress. Thomas Watson, Sr, an early CEO of IBM, who transitioned from a gadget maker into a technological titan said if you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work. Now that is a transition! Who is up for that challenge?
Are there reasons for not making a transition? Of course, there are. The kids are still in school. We are in too much debt. Our vice president of sales is incompetent. Education is too expensive. The board will never approve it. Face it, the transition changes. Change is painful. If change does not fit your priorities, then don’t. Don’t make the transition. Watch others do it, fall behind and get mad.
Regardless, change is happening. Organizations regularly are in states of transition. A key individual leaves. A competitor delivers superior services and the marketplace perceives you less favorably. A market leader has massive layoffs indicating changes in the economics of your industry and now your career is in transition. Nevertheless, boldly embrace the change, then redirect your activity.
Make the transition to the state of existence that improves your current situation. If the transition does not work out as planned, make another transition. Transitions are dynamic processes. Staying the same is only one decision. And you can only hold on to that one decision until you make your transition from here to the hereafter. Look at your current state. Make a change. Pursue progress. Transition to the state of existence that you desire!
-The Voice