transitionmanagement.us

Everywhere, I read about economic concerns, downsizing, and reducing expenses.  One counter-trend seems to be clear: continuing to invest in new learning is a worthwhile investment.  Keeping the ‘human capital’ part of your business fresh and up to date is key to coming out of economic stress with the ability to thrive.  And grow.  And meet your clients’ needs for your services.

My friend and Leadership Anchorage colleague, Lex Sargento, went into business for himself recently.  For himself and his family, I should say.  He opened a PlayNtrade video game store.  He says, ‘we are excited to be part of the community and extend an invitation to come by and visit. We are open 7 days a week – 10am-9pm on weekdays, 10am-8pm, Saturdays,11am-6pm, Sundays.  We are in the process of planning a grand opening soon and hope you all can come, celebrate with us and get in the game with Play N Trade. For questions and other information give us a call at 907.344.GAME.’

The Sargentos have an early open house with friends and family, mostly to give staff some reality-based training.  The food was great and the people watching was equally wonderful.  Lex is committed to serving the community and already has ideas for helping groups who serve kids.  Even if you don’t own a wii, do drop by! Visit in person near Terra Bella on Dimond across from the mall, or check the website for more details: http://playntrade.com/anchorage

Around noon today, we had a good little earthquake.  4.6 (on the old scale).  Enough to feel like a large truck hit the side of the building.  Enough to make everyone come out of their offices and carrels to make eye contact with one another and attest to all being well.  We discussed our choice of calamities – some preferred tornadoes to earthquakes, others were happier with hurricanes.  I, for one, like less shape-altering choices.  A simple rain or snow storm, for example.

But the point of the experience is worth noting: sometimes life events encourage you to stop and take notice.  A little kindness, a little laughter, a little eye contact….these help calm us and give us the impetus to go forward.  That is a form of transition! But because it is subtle, the transition is over overlooked. No one was hurt, nothing was broken, true, but there was a moment of halting, reconnecting, and then continuing.

Another form of this transition happened today: a phone call came, conveying news that a mutual friend had died last night.  A friend we remember as vibrant, smiling, connected with life in a warm and engaged fashion. And now, we have but memories, the footprints of our friend’s journey through our world.  To pick up and go forward is less subtle in this case, and the transition is blatant.  Loss is palpable! Yet, there is a moment of halting, reconnecting, then continuing.