We all have to navigate times of uncertainty and change at some point in our lives. Whether these changes are professional, personal, or societal, they can be eased by using what developmental psychologist D. W. Winnicott termed “transitional objects”. This could be something physical (such as a literal security blanket), or something more abstract (an idea, a routine, or agreement). These things can help someone feel grounded when the world around them is spinning. Research shows that not only can these transitional objects help employees during times of upheaval, but there are things that leaders can do to ease the process. Specifically, those in leadership need to consider three important attributes that help people process transitions:
choice,
a connection to a purpose,
and using something new as a bridge toward the new goal or situation.
Now that more and more of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID and companies are able to return to work in various capacities, we are once again in a transitional period. As we make our way back into physical office space, resume travel, and are otherwise becoming used to the “new normal”, take a look at HBR’s article on how leaders are best able to help their teams through this next period of change.