THIRD CULTURE KIDS: ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
TRANSITION STARTS WITH AN ENDING AND FINISHES WITH A BEGINNING.
I’ve just started reading William Bridges’ “Managing Transitions” and am struck by how elements of organisational change are similar to the assets gained through a TCK upbringing! This is why I truly believe that Third Culture Kids have a lot to contribute towards a company’s crucial transition phases. TCKs have dealt with copious amounts of loss through countless transitions since childhood.
Bridges spent decades working with, guiding and studying companies undergoing major changes. He describes 3 key phases of transition:
- Letting go of the old ways and the old identity people had (an ending where you need to take time to help people with their losses)
- Going through an in-between time when the old is gone and when the new isn’t fully operational (the neutral zone- when the critical psychological realignments and re-patternings take place)
- Coming out of the transition and making a new beginning (this is when people develop their new identity, experience the new energy, and discover the new sense of purpose that make the change begin to work)
When transition is not supported and the “letting go” process is overlooked, it’s highly likely that the change itself won’t be lasting or successful.
The same can be said for TCKs! You have to honor the feelings of loss that come with beginning anew. Only then can you fully embrace the next chapter and build a culture of belonging within the new context.
Not all TCKs were given the time or support to nurture transition but it’s never too late to reflect on the moments that shaped us, especially the times we did not get to properly say goodbye.
I believe that because TCKs have lived through constant change but may not have always experienced successful transition, they have an inherent awareness and keen interest as intuitive leaders to help guide cultural and organisational change with empathy and respect.
If you’re curious about learning the marketable qualities that make TCKs powerhouses in today’s diverse and interconnected workplace, read my blog post, “Third Culture Kids: Impact in the Workplace.” There’s an incredible resilience about Third Culture Kids (TCKs) that make them truly empathic and collaborative leaders. Watch my YouTube video on how to “Lean in to Your TCK Power” if you are a Third Culture Kid grappling with your sense of identity. You have a lot more to offer than you think!
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