Greetings from the Washington, DC area, where spring is ever-so-tentatively making its arrival. The calendar may indicate that it is officially spring, but the chilly temperatures tell a different story.

Even the cherry blossoms are confused -- they made an unusually late appearance a few days ago, when I hastily snapped this picture. Despite the blossoms, snow was forecast for the next day.

We are in an in-between stage where it’s not really winter anymore, but spring has not fully arrived.

It reminds me of the “Neutral Zone” stage of personal and organizational change – that state of limbo where the old is gone but the new hasn’t become fully operational. The old ways don’t work anymore, yet the new ways don’t feel right, either. Change expert William Bridges called it a “nowhere between two somewheres.”

Have you found yourself in the neutral zone before? Maybe you finally landed that big promotion at work, and despite the external signs – you’ve taken on the new responsibilities, you’re leading a new team, you have new business cards with your snazzy new title – you just don't feel fully at home yet in your new role. 

The neutral zone is a state of limbo, where it feels there is nothing to hold onto. It can be very disorienting, uncomfortable, and perplexing. 

In my work coaching clients, and in my own life, I’ve found it’s helpful just to know there is such a thing as the neutral zone. Over the past several months, I’ve been acclimating back to life in the US after living abroad for 13 years. The external changes are there – a new address, new clients, new neighbors – yet there is still an internal shift that takes longer to complete. Knowing this has helped me to adjust my expectations and go easy on myself.

On the days when I feel like the hashtag I made up (#immigrantinmyowncountry) or when it feels like I haven’t quite landed yet (even though I’ve been here for months), I try to remind myself that I’m in the midst of a neutral zone. It’s okay – even expected – to feel that way.

The upside? The neutral zone is a time of growth. It’s the time to ask questions that don’t have clear answers. It’s the time to get creative. It’s the time to take risks. It's time to see what emerges.

If you are in a neutral zone of your own, or if you are heading into a change and know you will eventually encounter it, remember that it's okay to feel a bit lost during that in-between time. Click here for some more ideas about how to make the most of the neutral zone.

And if you are contemplating a change, but feeling a bit stuck or unclear, check out my "What's Next?" group coaching program that starts in May. Now open for registration.

Past group participants have reported the program was "empowering," "confidence-boosting," and "immensely helpful." 

The group will be small and intimate. There will be 6 group coaching sessions of 90 minutes each, held via Zoom video-conference, so you can participate from anywhere in the world.  These **confidential** sessions will be held for 6 consecutive Thursdays (May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & June 7) at 8:00 am Eastern (which translates to 8:00 pm Singapore, 1:00 pm London, 3:00 pm Nairobi).

The investment for this program is $895. However, for those who register by the early bird deadline of April 12, the cost is $795.

Find out more about the program, including Frequently Asked Questions, here: http://developmentcrossroads.com/whats-next-group-coaching-via-skype/

Or click <reply> to shoot me an email with your questions or your interest. I would love to work with you on getting unstuck and getting clear. Here’s to your “what’s next”!