Transitioning is a skill

My friend and professor, Dr. Ray Wheeler (Ray’s blog) recommended the book, The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins.  Dr. Michael Watkins is one of the world’s leading experts on transitions.  This book has become a classic reference for leaders in transition. It has been named one of the best 100 business books of all time.  I am certainly enjoying reading it.

Here are a couple quotes from the book which were kind of an “ah hah” moment for me as I read them today…

“…transitions are a crucible for leadership development and should be managed accordingly. Precisely because they strengthen diagnostic skills, demand growth and adaptation, and test personal stamina, transitions are an indispensable development experience for every company’s high-potential leaders.” [1]

Watkins goes on to clarify that this does not mean that we throw our good leaders into the deep end of the pool to see if they sink or swim.  He affirms that, “Like swimming, transitioning is a teachable skill.  Transition acceleration skills should be taught to people who are in transition, so that talented people do not drown unnecessarily.”[2]

I am looking forward to see what skills, strategies and character are required to transition well, and how we can help leaders in our organization do well in transitions.

MaturitasCafe has some good ideas on how to transition well also.

Are you going through a transition?  What has helped you in your transition?  Comment here.

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[1]  Watkins, Michael (2003). The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels (p. 6). Harvard Business Press. Kindle Edition

[2]   Watkins (2003)