The Messy Middle
In this phase of transition, the old way is gone, but the new way doesn't feel comfortable yet. Bridges calls this the "Neutral Zone," but employees often describe it as feeling like they are "Between ________."
What are Trapezes?
ne of the best things a leader can do is tell employees, "It’s okay to feel confused right now; it's a normal part of the process." Bridges calls this "__________ the experience."
What is Normalizing?
While it feels like chaos, Bridges argues that the Neutral Zone is actually the best time for "Innovation" because these "Old Ways" of doing things have already been broken.
What are Habits or Routines?
Because people are confused and anxious in the Neutral Zone, their "Intention" stays the same, but this "M-word" usually takes a massive hit, leading to lower productivity.
What is motivation?
Since permanent roles might not work during a big change, leaders should create "Temporary ________" to give people a sense of structure while the dust settles.
What are Systems or Roles?
To encourage creativity during this time, leaders should allow for "__________," where employees try new methods without being punished if they don't work perfectly.
What is experimentation?
Bridges warns that if the Neutral Zone isn't managed, the organization might suffer from "Polarization." This is when some people want to rush into the future, while others want to do this.
What is Go back to the old way?
Bridges suggests forming a "TMT"—a group of diverse employees who act as a "temperature gauge" for the company. What does TMT stand for?
What is a Transition Monitoring Team? (Explain that leaders are often the last to know how bad morale actually is).
Bridges says the Neutral Zone is a time for "Repatterning." This means instead of just fixing problems, the organization can actually change its __________.
What is Identity or Culture?