It appears that not only is this time of year during which people think ‘Spring Cleaning’ … it is also a time that people move from one home to another. I imagine one thing many of us share once the move is complete is the vow to ‘never do this again’. We swear to NEVER accumulate all that “stuff” again. The process is not only physically and mentally challenging … it’s not much fun.
And yet, in a way, the process makes for an interesting experience regardless of how excited we might be to move into our new home. It’s interesting because it’s filled with evaluations and decisions:
- What are the ‘must haves’ that will enhance the enjoyment in our new home?
- What will be useful in our new location?
- What are the meaningful, sentimental items that we want … just because?
- What of my current furnishings will and will not work in my new place?
- And finally and every bit as important … what are the things that we are consciously going to toss as excess baggage that will serve us in no meaningful way?
It is both a logical and daunting task. And as I reflected on it, I could see the connections to what we as coaches see with our clients. We are concerned with helping organizations and/or individuals move … from where they are to where they want to be. And … just like moving ones’ home, in doing so we make decisions as what to take with us and what to toss or leave behind. Regardless of the kind of change (a promotion, a transfer, a new team assignment), it is wise to make conscious decisions about what we take with us vs. what we leave behind or toss? Here are some of the questions we might ask ourselves in preparing for any kind of change:
- What attitudes have I developed and utilized in the current position that will serve me well in my new position. What do I definitely want to pack for the move? And … conversely … which ones might work against me in this new opportunity … the ones I want to toss.
- What are the skills I possess that helped me succeed in my recent job that I clearly want to take with me? On the other end, what skills have I not yet mastered that would enhance and speed up my success climb in my new role? And, what is the plan to acquire them as quickly as possible?
- How do I want to be perceived in this new role, which I see as a new and clean slate? What will I do to create that … as related to job performance as well being in relationship with my supervisor and co-workers?
Moving has many facets whether it involve a home or a job. In either case, the change becomes a time for making conscious decisions. In both cases, we want to make certain we take with us those things that will help us really embrace the new surroundings. We also want to toss anything that is excess baggage … whether it be made up of a broken skillet or a habit that didn’t serve me. Regardless of where we’re moving, doesn’t it make sense to clean out our cupboards and closets so that we take only what will add to our success and overall happiness? I know that I’m taking a second ‘trip’ through my metaphorical cupboards, to make certain I’m doing the right thing for ME. It’s really beyond ‘Spring’ cleaning. I call it ‘clutter cleaning’.
Mike Dorman
