View source for William Bridges’ Transition Model

== What is William Bridges’ Transition Model? ==

The '''Bridges Transition Model''' is a model that helps a business or person with organizational change. The strength of this model is that it focuses on the transition to change. It’s this transition that’s often uncomfortable for people, leading to resistance. We know why people are resistant to change and with that knowledge, and this model, we can remove that resistance. Change is often implemented to make things more efficient, safe, or easy. Although these reasons are meant to benefit the organization and performance, employees often turn out to be the biggest obstacle. According to the Bridges Transition Model, they don’t have to be. In this model of change, Bridges helps to clarify the personal aspect of change management, showing employees as supporters rather than obstacles. In short, Bridges’ Transition Model identifies three stages people go through as they gradually enter and accept the new organizational landscape. The model mainly focuses on psychological change during the transitions between each stage. The model was developed and published by William Bridges (1933 – 2013). He was an American author, organizational consultant, and public speaker.<ref>What is the Bridges' Transition Model? [https://www.toolshero.com/change-management/bridges-transition-model/ Toolshero]</ref>


[[File:Bridges_Transition_Model.png|500px|Bridges' Transition Model]]<br />
source: [https://faculty.medicine.umich.edu/sites/default/files/resources/Change%20Models.pdf UMich]

== The Stages of Transition <ref>What are the Three Stages of Transition in Bridges' Transition Model? [https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/bridges-transition-model.htm Mindtools]</ref> ==
The model highlights three stages of transition that people go through when they experience change. Bridges says that people will go through each stage at their own pace. For example, those who are comfortable with the change will likely move ahead to stage three quickly, while others will linger at stages one or two. These stages are:
*Stage 1. Ending, Losing, and Letting Go: People enter this initial stage of transition when you first present them with change. This stage is often marked with resistance and emotional upheaval because people are being forced to let go of something that they are comfortable with. People have to accept that something is ending before they can begin to accept the new idea. If you don't acknowledge the emotions that people are going through, you'll likely encounter resistance throughout the entire change process. At this stage, people may experience these emotions:
**Fear.
**Denial.
**Anger.
**Sadness.
**Disorientation.
**Frustration.
**Uncertainty.
**A sense of loss.

*Guiding People Through Stage One<br />It's important to accept people's resistance and understand their emotions. Allow them time to accept the change and let go, and try to get everyone to talk about what they're feeling. In these conversations, make sure that you listen empathically and communicate openly about what's going to happen. Emphasize how people will be able to apply their skills, experience, and knowledge once you've implemented the change. Explain how you'll give them what they need (for instance, training and resources) to work effectively in the new environment. People often fear what they don't understand, so the more you can educate them about a positive future, and communicate how their knowledge and skills are an essential part of getting there, the likelier they are to move on to the next stage.

*Stage 2. The Neutral Zone: In this stage, people affected by the change are often confused, uncertain, and impatient. Depending on how well you're managing the change, they may also experience a higher workload as they get used to new systems and new ways of working. Despite these, this stage can also be one of great creativity, innovation, and renewal. This is a great time to encourage people to try new ways of thinking or working. Think of this phase as the bridge between the old and the new; in some ways, people will still be attached to the old, while they are also trying to adapt to the new. Here, people might experience:
**Resentment towards the change initiative.
**Low morale and low productivity.
**Anxiety about their role, status or identity.
**Skepticism about the change initiative.

*Guiding People Through Stage Two<br />Your guidance is incredibly important as people go through this neutral period. This can be an uncomfortable time, because it can seem unproductive, and it can seem that little progress is being made. Because people might feel a bit lost, provide them with a solid sense of direction. Remind them of team goals, and encourage them to talk about what they're feeling. Meet with your people frequently to give feedback  on how they're performing, especially with regard to change. It's also important to set short-term goals during this stage, so that people can experience some quick wins ; this will help to improve motivation as well as giving everyone a positive perception of the change effort. Also, do what you can to boost morale  and continue to remind people of how they can contribute to the success of the change. If required, you may also want to help people manage their workloads, either by deprioritizing some types of work, or by bringing in extra resources.

*Stage 3. The New Beginning: The last transition stage is a time of acceptance and energy. People have begun to embrace the change initiative. They're building the skills they need to work successfully in the new way, and they're starting to see early wins from their efforts. At this stage, people are likely to experience:
**High energy.
**Openness to learning.
**Renewed commitment to the group or their role.

*Guiding People Through Stage Three<br />As people begin to adopt the change, it's essential that you help them sustain it. Use techniques like Management by Objectives  to link people's personal goals to the long-term objectives of the organization, and regularly highlight stories of success brought about by the change. Take time to celebrate the change you've all gone through, and reward your team  for all their hard work. However, don't become too complacent – remember that not everyone will reach this stage at the same time, and also remember that people can slip back to previous stages if they think that the change isn't working.


== See Also ==
*[[Employee Engagement]]
*[[IT Transformation]]
*[[Transition Methodology]]
*[[Organizational Change]]



== References ==
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== Further Reading ==