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Transitions – transformational vs transactional

I’ve noticed something about transition coaching (especially outplacement coaching).  Some outplacement companies support their clients through the transactional side of finding a new job.  Things like writing their CV, applying for roles, composing a cover letter,  interview skills.

dreamstime_xl_29079426That’s good – as far as it goes.  But there is something missing from that equation.  Change provides an opportunity to question who we are, what is most important to us, our identity in the world.  It can be a time of great learning and growth.  That transformation comes through reflecting upon what is going on for us during the ending, the neutral zone and the new beginning.  It’s much more than the tactical stuff.  Yes it’s important to find a new role to support ourselves and our families financially.  But jumping into the first role that we are offered may not be the best fit for us.  We have an opportunity to define our ideal role – this is a lost opportunity for many, who don’t sit back and think about their strengths, their passions, their interests, their perfect day.  We have a chance to become a great contribution to the world, to become the best we can be.

So let’s spend some time transforming ourselves, with a coach by our side to support us as we stumble and challenge us to go further, rather than going through the transactional motions of applying for jobs that don’t feel quite right.  Like a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly – we can become so much more than we ever imagined possible.  Sure it’s not an easy process, but think about the fulfilment that will ensue when we know something new about ourselves that we didn’t know before, and do something new that we didn’t do before.

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