This document contains notes from Kevin Thomas on a book about managing transitions by William Bridges. It discusses the differences between change and transition, notes that there is a human element to change, and that rushing change undermines the process. It outlines phases of organizational change and transition, challenges that arise from shifting between phases, and behaviors needed for renewal. It also covers managing employee emotions during transition, supporting people through loss, and strategies for maintaining productivity and motivation during uncertain times.

1. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
July 22, 2019
krt4@williams.edu
x3542
Kevin Thomas
Learning & Development Manager
Managing Transitions by William
Bridges

2. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Change vs Transition
• There’s a human element to change
• Rushing undermines change

3. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542

4. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
Making It
Becoming
an
Institution
Dreaming
the Dream
Launching
the
Venture
Getting
Organized
Closing In
Dying

5. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
1. Those most at home in one phase will be
most uncomfortable in the next.
2. Each phase creates challenges that can’t
be handled without a phase shift
3. To move on to the next phase, you must let
go of what got you this far.
4. Troubled times often indicate a phase shift
is happening

6. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
Dreaming
the
Dream
Launchin
g the
Venture
Getting
Organize
d
Making It
Becoming
an
Institution
Path of
Renew
al
Beginning
Anew

7. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• What is it time to let go of?
• What will people need as we enter an uneasy time of
transition?
• What behaviors will be needed in the renewed
organization?

8. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542

9. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542

10. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• There’s always a good bye
• It is an emotional process
• It can’t be rushed
• Change leaders support
people through this process

11. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Disorientation
• Depression

12. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Loss inventory: Identify who is losing what
• Acknowledge losses openly and empathically
• Compensate for losses where possible
• Communicate: many times, in many ways, be
redundant
• Define what’s over and what isn’t
• Use rituals to honor the past, acknowledge losses
• Emphasize the continuity of what matters most

13. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542

14. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• ↑ Anxiety
• ↓ Motivation
• ↓ Attendance
• ↓ Productivity
• ↓ Teamwork
• ↓ Resiliency

15. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Create temporary
systems
• Help people stay
connected
• Establish a transition
monitoring team
• Encourage creativity

16. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542

17. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Purpose
• Picture
• Plan
• Part

18. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
• Clearly id behaviors needed
• Reinforce the new beginning
• Be consistent
• Ensure quick successes
• Symbolize the new identity
• Celebrate success

19. Kevin R.Thomas, Manager, Learning & Development · Office of Human Resources · kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu · 413-597-3542
Kevin Thomas, krt4@williams.edu , x3542
Managing Transitions by William
Bridges
• Program evaluation form
• Program materials