Managing Transitions

Making the Most of the Change

By: William Bridges

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

The business world is a place of constant change, with stories of mergers, layoffs, bankruptcy, and restructuring appearing in the news every day. No matter the scale, when these kinds of changes hit the workplace, the concrete situational shifts are often not as difficult for employees and managers to work through as the psychological transitions that accompany them. Organizational transitions affect people; it is always people who have to embrace a new situation and carry out the corresponding changes.

Without a clear understanding of what transition does to employees and what employees in transition can, in turn, do to an organization, the job of managing workplace change can be difficult. Managed poorly, the result can be disastrous for morale and stability. As veteran business consultant William Bridges explains in detail, successful organizational change takes place when employees have a purpose, a mental picture, a plan for, and a part to play in change. In short, successful change takes place only when employees are "on board" with it.

Directed at managers on all rungs of the corporate ladder, this thoroughly updated and expanded edition of the best selling Managing Transitions provides practical, step-by-step strategies for reaching goals and minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. It is an invaluable managerial tool for navigating an inevitably tumultuous time.

©2003 William Bridges and Associates (P)2007 Gildan Media Corp

Not as useful as I expected

Much of this is common sense and rehashing normal techniques. There were a few examples that can be added to best practices. Overall, marginal at best.

Great concepts brought to your attention

Best thing I think could sum up this book is leaders need to manage a transition not change. Change is a single point in time, but that does not give us a chance to transition our psychological ties to the way things used to be and how our emotions and irrationalities get in the way of a successful transition. He gives great suggestions on dealing with it and IDENTIFYING it.

I buy it for others

A really great way to set the common language required for transitions. It clearly explains what we all go through during changes, but don't talk about, but should.

Conceptual and practical! Worth it.

This book does an incredible job of defining the overall conceptual process of transition and how to practically meet your people where they’re at to move forward with change. Something I’ll come back to again and again!

A must read

A must read for anyone - anywhere. Straight forward advice on managing transitions. Far exceeded my expectations.

Good info....but long!

Most of the content was good, but in the Audible format it made for some repetitive portions as well as long periods of dead air between chapters and sections, so much so I thought my Bluetooth had disconnected.

USA IN TRANSITION

Extremely well organized. Nice examples. Succinct and easy to understand. I would listen to it again.

Still timely in todays volatile marketplace

Where does Managing Transitions rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I've listened to in quite some time. Loved it!

Any additional comments?

Buy this book if you are managing a change or living through one. It's great.

Should be required reading (listening)

It really should be a mandatory book for any managers in an organisation planning a major change, be it a re-invention, a merger or acquisition. Good content and well read, enjoyed listening to it.

A book for now, times full of change.

A very detailed guide to how change happens and transitions can be managed well. Really worthwhile!

Useful read

Helpful read to make you consider the impact of change and most importantly the transition period. Will help me change the way I manage and adapt my style to help my team and myself. Will now buy the textbook for reference.