The document discusses the basic model of individual change which includes three stages: endings, neutral zone, and new beginnings. It describes the typical feelings and behaviors associated with each stage of the change process, including denial, resistance, exploration, and commitment. The document provides suggestions for how to move through the change process and bring oneself to the commitment stage, such as focusing on opportunities, dealing with emotions constructively, taking ownership of change, and keeping focused on the work.

1. Where Am I in the Change
Process?
5.14.2015
Based on information by William Bridges

2. 2
The Basic Model of Individual Change
Source: Bridges “ Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change”
 Endings New Beginnings
 Neutral Zone
Commitment
Exploration
Denial
Resistance
Leaders are human, and most will experience denial and resistance to some
degree – just like everyone else.

3. 3
Do any of these sound familiar?
Denial Resistance Exploration Commitment
TypicalFeelings
• Denial
• Shock
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Resignation
• Anger
• Fear
• Sadness
• Frustration
• Curious
• Creative
• Unsure
• Excited
• Interested
• Enthusiasm
• Excitement
• Trusting
• Relief
• Hopefulness
• Engaged
• Optimistic
• Anxiety
• Realization of Loss
• Skepticism
TypicalBehaviors
• Downplaying reality
• Disorganization &
missing deadlines
• Negotiation/
Bargaining/unrealistic
attempts to get out of a
situation or project
• Grumbling
• Short tempers
• Defensiveness
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Low energy
• Seeking attention
• Bursts of creativity
• Beginning to make
decisions & take risks
• Trying new things
• Challenging decisions
• Exploring possibilities
• Pointing out flaws
• Future orientation
• Focus on priorities
• Offering constructive
ideas
• Offering support to
others
• Impatience with those
not yet committed
Source: Bridges “ Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change”
Typical Feelings and Behaviors

4. 4
Where are you?
 Endings New Beginnings
 Neutral Zone
Source: Bridges “ Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change”
Commitment
Exploration
Denial
Resistance

5. How do you get yourself to “commitment?
• All of us have made many
transitions and moved through
this process numerous times
• How have you lead yourself to
“commitment”?
• How have others helped you to
transition?

6. 6
Some suggestions
Source: Bridges “ Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change”
Focus on Your
Commitment -
Focus your energy where
you can make a difference
• Act on what you can
control
• Let go what you can’t
• Increase your influence
Reframe Your
Exploration –
View the situation from a
different perspective
• Look for the opportunities
• Imagine the outcomes
• Make things better now
Notice Your Denial -
identify the reality of the
situation
• What is changing?
• What are the causes?
• What are the effects?
Feel Your
Resistance -
recognize your feelings
• Listen to yourself talk
• Acknowledge what you
are losing and gaining
• Express your feelings
safely

7. 7
Tips to bring yourself to commitment
• Understand change & transition: Understanding the researched models on
change/transition can de-personalize things & promote a higher degree of self-awareness
• Deal with emotions: It’s human nature to react to change. Recognize & deal with emotions
constructively & find suitable ways to channel them
• Manage stress: Leverage practical coping strategies & support yourself
• Identify adjustments: What’s required today might be different from what’s required
tomorrow. Shift your priorities & develop your capabilities in line with the changes in the
organization
• Take ownership for change: Managing change is a core responsibility of every leader’s job
in the organization. Have the courage to discuss issues, but remember that complaining is
not the same as contributing so be prepared to suggest workable solutions
• Communicate: Ask questions, be open about concerns & understand that we won’t always
have all the information when we want it
• Keep doing your job: Don’t let frustration & ambiguity become an excuse for letting up. Stay
focused on what you can do and try not to worry about things that are out of your control