Unlike change, transition is best understood as the internal psychological process of adapting to a new situation. Transition can happen quickly or slowly and is marked not by a new beginning but by the end of a previous condition. It is the process of moving successfully from the old to the new. Furthermore, change and transition often occur at the same time, which makes the ability to recognize them even more important.

      Once you understand the difference between change and transition, you can take the second step: identify how the changes in the organization affect your feelings and thoughts, and focus on managing the transition. Becoming aware of these thoughts and feelings is a key aspect of adapting to change.

      According to CCL feedback coaches, leaders who have experienced significant changes within their organizations react with a similar set of thoughts and feelings—although, at the time, many do not recognize the connection between them. For many of these leaders, changes within and outside their organizations challenge their experience with being right and in control. If left unresolved, the resulting self-doubts and negativity can lead otherwise successful people to derail.