The Transfer of Power

The headline read “Obama takes power.” As I watched the swearing in of the new President I was struck by the speed of this transition. At the beginning of the ceremony Barak Obama was the Senator from Illinois. He had influence but really no "power." Two minutes later, he was the leader of these great United States and arguably the most powerful man in the free world. WOW! Can you imagine? To go from JUST influence to power and authority in about two minutes seems to be an incredibly fast transition. In our lives, seasons of transition may take more time than two minutes. But our lives can change for the good…or the bad in less than two minutes. A car accident, an earthquake, an unexpected job promotion, divorce papers, a special phone call and a myriad of other events can shake our world and drive us to the edge of elation or oblivion. What makes the difference and how do we deal with our transition seasons? Certainly dreams and years of hard work, training, diligence and building relationships help prepare us for the promotion. Some transitions are wonderful. But it’s the unexpected transitions in life that throw us a curve ball. How do you prepare for a transfer of power? When you “get” the power that’s a little easier to accept. When you “lose” the power, in the case of a divorce, death or a layoff, these seasons are harder to prepare for and harder to deal with. Yet the process is similar. In each type of transition we have to “learn” how to live with this new set of circumstances. The players may have changed but the game of life continues and we have to be engaged. Sometimes the playing field changes, but again, the game of life goes on and we have to learn to play on the new field. As you consider your transition season remember that everyone goes through many different transitions during this journey we call life. It is up to each individual to determine HOW they will move through their transition. Our attitude will determine how we move on to the next season. Our mindset will dictate how we enter the next season after this transition. And preparation is an important ingredient for any transition season.

The Winds of Change

Today we have a leadership change in our country. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, black or white, this marks a significant event that will long be remembered in the annuls of history. As the Bush administration closes and the Obama administration begins a new dawn has risen in our country. The winds of change are blowing. In the economy, politics, communication, business and social outreach, there is a new current running through our culture. Some would say this is a good and long over-due change. Others would vehemently disagree. Yet all would have to agree, it is change. As these winds of change blow having a solid base of relationships is vital to your successful navigation of this transition season. How did a no-name junior senator without a track record obtain the highest elected office in the world? Relationship…bottom line he connected with more people. He engaged people in conversation and connected with them on a personal level through email, text messages, phone conferences and personal appearances. Communication was the difference. In your season of change it is no different. There must be two-way communication as you connect with people. And you must not connect with just anyone. Connect and communicate with people you trust, people you can bear your soul to. People who will tell you the truth. People who will give you perspective. People who will help you chart out a path to your future. People who will fight for you and with you. People who will defend you. People who will stand with you in the most difficult of times. For some this is a spouse or family member. For others it is a long-time friend or confidant. As you consider your life and the journey you are on, remember to build some relationship equity BEFORE you enter your next transition season. And be that kind of friend for others who are going through their own season of change. Yes the winds of change blow all the time. Some times you are not affected. Other times you are forced into the midst of hurricane force winds that knock you down. Be sensitive to others in transition. Be aware of your own seasons of change. And finally, be ready to engage the relationship factor so you don’t isolate yourself during these seasons.