I have written before* about the work William Bridges did about the three stages of transitions (ending, interval, beginning). He believes that the interval stage -- the limbo stage -- is where creativity and innovation can occur because things are in flux; the old is over but the new isn't fully established yet.
I am a big fan of Bridges, but I am not a fan of being in limbo. In fact, for me, limbo is the hardest part of a transition. I can deal with bad news, but I hate the stage of limbo when I feel like I can't make any plans or decisions because I don't know the ultimate path I am on.
Some examples of limbo:
> You have applied for a job in another city: are you moving or staying put?
> One of your staff members has applied for another job: will you have a vacancy or should you assign them to a new committee?
> Waiting for test results: do you have cancer or not?
> Made an offer on a house: accepted or not?
> Layoffs are coming: are you going to be fired or not?
> Relationship is rocky: are you going to work it out or get divorced?
> Behind on payments: is the creditor going to negotiate or are you evicted?
> An elderly parent is not doing well: is he going to make it through or not?
> Contractor is doing an estimate: are you remodeling or building?
> You're "late": are you pregnant or not?
> Restructuring is going to occur: are you getting new responsibilities or should you begin a new project?
> Things are going well with your beau: do you wait to buy a new place in case he pops the question?
There are many conditions -- both good and bad -- that put your planning state into limbo. One temptation during this time is to spend a great deal of time speculating on the outcome. Another strategy is to rush ahead on decisions just to get out of limbo (eg: getting a divorce instead of counseling because it is quicker.)
As much as I hate it, I have to admit that Bridges is right about the limbo stage. Many possibilities can occur when the outcome is up in the air. If you can't bring yourself to savor the interval state, at least acknowledge it for what it is -- a waiting period. Take a deep breath and focus your energy on what you can impact instead of fretting about all that you can't.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
* Blog #75 August 15, 2012
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