Let’s talk about the time in between.
William Bridges refers to it as “the neutral zone.” But it’s more like putting a car in Neutral than something we feel neutral about.
Futurist Marilyn Ferguson has referred to this time as like being “between trapezes,” with nothing to hold onto. Emotionally, that seems about right. I’ve written about it before, as the “hell of the hallway.” We’re in suspended animation for a time. But how long?
Bridges writes of several dangers during this period, and one that resonated for me was people getting mixed signals, and thus priorities get confused. It can happen personally or organizationally. Can you relate? An old season or identity has yet to pass away, so we’re still hearing echoes from it and engaging in old familiar habits. The transitional time is generating its own noise, and it’s hard to discern which sounds require a temporary response, or a sustainable one, or none at all. And we’re starting to hear faint signals from new identities that are emerging, and we’re likely not sure which pathway to follow, if any. No wonder priorities get confused!
And not only are we unsure where to focus, but the pace of change is hard to discern — are things moving slowly or quickly? To what extent are we responsible for setting that pace? Bridges writes about this time lasting too long simply to wait it out, but also warns against pushing prematurely for certainty or closure. Instead, we should let it unfold — but can you feel viscerally, even as you read this, how difficult that can be?
I mentioned last week that he suggests using the time creatively — to take stock and experiment. He also recommends creating some temporary systems that offer structure and strength.
If you find yourself between trapezes, personally or as an organizational leader, how might you heed this advice right now? Grab a piece of paper and fold it into four sections, numbered one to four as follows:
- Don’t push for premature certainty or closure. That means I will….
- Take stock. Here’s a specific way I will create space for me [and my team] to step back and reflect:…
- Experiment. Here is one thing I will try that is a new way of being for me, with no pressure for it to work or last or for me to excel at it:…
- Create temporary scaffolding. One modest goal I can pursue in this in between time might be to…
New beginnings often birth slowly. As I remember my doula saying to me, “You’re in transition. Let it do its work.” Very true — but wow, that work can be hard!
I think of myself as a doula of sorts — someone who helps individuals, organizations and sometimes whole sectors or communities reimagine their next chapter. If that sounds like support you could use, do get in touch. I’d love to talk through some options with you.