As William Bridges explores in Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, meaningful transitions don’t begin with beginnings; they start with endings. These endings involve much more than just moving away from a familiar role, place, or mindset—they require us to deeply examine what we’re letting go of and why. 

In this article, a deeper dive from my Transitions Primer, Nikki Mor and I will explore Bridge’s five ending milestones: 1. disengagement, 2. dismantling, 3. disidentification, 4. disenchantment, and 5. disorientation. By intentionally engaging with these five stages, we can extract valuable lessons, avoid repeating old patterns, and transition into our next chapter, the Neutral Zone, with clarity and purpose. 

When we are trying to figure out what comes next in our careers, we can create clarity by focusing on the “why”…

First introduced by Aristotle, a first principle is a foundational proposition or assumption that stands alone. We cannot deduce first principles from any other proposition or assumption. For example, economies of scale are a first principle; higher production or purchasing volumes improve efficiencies and lower unit costs. While first principles thinking is great for aligning executive teams, it's equally valuable for aligning management teams with their Board of Directors.

My later stage private company clients frequently ask for guidance on how to build a board of directors. Regardless of what stage the company is in, having a strong and productive relationship between management and the board is very important.

I have long been a fan of first principles thinking. First introduced by Aristotle, a first principle is a foundational proposition or assumption that stands alone. We cannot deduce first principles from any other proposition or assumption. For example, economies of scale is a first principle;  higher production or purchasing volumes improve efficiencies and lower unit costs. …

I recently attended a racing school for the 3rd time. While I also go to the track for open lapping events where I drive my personal car, I don’t actually race…

When we are trying to figure out what comes next in our careers, we can create clarity by focusing on the “why”…

Lawyers often ask me about the principles or practices that I use to train my teams or coach my clients…