From the Doldrums to Cocooning - the Cycle Continues

Last time, I talked about two quadrants of the Cycle of Renewal - so it is time to move to the next possible phase, Cocooning.

There are two paths from the Doldrums - where people feel out of sync. For some, they move through this time of loss and are able to gleen enough insights that they can re-design, update their personal strategy; figure out another way forward, recapture the passion and purpose and move back to Go For It - this is described as a Mini-Transition. The person reflects, changes and recharges.

However, in some situations, people continue the inner work begun in the Doldrums and dig deeper into the Cocooning phase. This phase is characterized by self-reflection, re-evaluation - of everything, low energy, a search for meaning, perhaps loneliness, grieving and ultimately healing.

It could be described as a serious case of internal Spring Cleaning. After personal reflection, the person can decide: what to hold on to; what to let go of; what to move toward and how to move forward - applying this new, deeper learning to a new direction.

Cocooning can be a powerful time with a grand pay off: determining or refreshing passion and purpose. And, with that good work, move into the Getting Ready phase. More on that next time...

Job transitions always include at least a trip through the Doldrums. And, for some a time of Cocooning is essential before emerging into the world of possibilities and regaining the excitement of what is next.

For those who are supporting friends or family members who have lost their jobs and are now out there searching for what's next...you can probably recognize these phases.

There isn't a formula for job transitions. There isn't a timeline. And it is not always a straight path.


A freind whose job was eliminated said:

"This job transition wouldn't be so difficult if I just knew what date I'd have a new job. Then I could relax and enjoy the time with my family."

Hmm, that isn't how change works, is it?

What have you seen?
If you have personally experienced , or if you have helped others who are experiencing or have experienced the Doldrums or Cocooning let us know:

What was it like? What helped, hindered?

Source of the Cycle of Renewal:
The Cycle of Renewal© model that is central to the teaching of the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. For more information, see their website: http://www.hudsoninstitute.com/

Putting the Lessons to Work

Is there a silver lining to the layoffs? Will those rehired take their reflections, ups and downs to their new workplace? Will they apply what they have learned during their search to the new job?

If so, is it reasonable to expect that their co-workers, customers, direct reports, families and managers will benefit from their experience?

During the transition job search, they will have looked at their skills, values and passions. They will have updated and expanded their networks. They will have asked for help in their search. They will have assessed their strengths and written examples of their major successes. They will have uncovered doubt, vulnerability and experienced loss, sadness and question. They will have applied for jobs and heard nothing back. They will have answered a wide variety of interview questions. They will have appeared confident while internally questioning their skills. Along the way, they will have been treated graciously or dismissed. They will have joined job clubs, held networking meetings, reconnected with past colleagues, shared contacts and cheered when others found work.

Much has been written about the deterioration or absence of worker engagement over the past years. Is is possible that this can be changed when those who join new organizations take their lessons learned to the new job and treat their colleagues, team, managers, customers and themselves with heightened care?

This could be the silver lining..