The value of calm through transition

In the blink of an eye we’ve seen several highly public transitions.

The Australian Labor Party forming a majority parliament. With a system dominated by two major parties – this means a significant loss to the Australian Liberal and National parties, and with it the loss of their Leader, Peter Dutton.

We’ve seen the passing of Pope Francis, the ensuing conclave to decide on the next pope, a smoke plume and announcement of incoming Pope Leo XIV.

And in your work and life, you’ll think of several other examples of transition – be it in the work you do, people you do it with, leadership of the organisation you’re in, or other public examples you see.

In the two examples mentioned, irrespective of the very different circumstances – one a political loss, leadership change and potentially existential transition; the other a passing of a religious leader and succession to the next – calmness through transition have been on display.

We’ve also seen plenty of transitions in both political and other settings be far less than calm, you can reflect on those yourself!

Without a political statement, or an emotional reaction, I have a different respect for Peter Dutton. I wouldn’t say that without additional context, as like many, he didn’t get my vote. But, from the moment he stood on the stage on the 3^rd of May in his concession speech, through leaving his long-held electoral seat, out of Liberal Leadership and out of political life – he put on a masterclass in calm in transition. Not the party that was once around him. But him the man.

He’d had his last swing of the bat, been ultimately and utterly dismantled, and yet he showed a decorum – quietly admitting defeat and reflecting, putting the bat down quietly and thanking those that helped him play the game. Sure – it might make you wonder where some of that decorum, calmness and leadership was when he had the title. But it matters not now.

The media captured his intent, and it was summarised quiet beautifully as “former leaders make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence”.

There’s a lesson there for us all. In the fierceness of our politics, but the undercurrent of respect for colleagues that serve on any side. Of democracy, of safety – of things that make us proud to call Australia home.

Quite frankly, it’s also a wonderful lesson to anyone at work.

When things go wrong, situations, relationships etc. – throwing retrospective mud on things helps no one and only leaves your hands dirty. Calmness, and forward momentum in the right spots is everything.

Newly supported by the conclave, respectful and reflective on Pope Francis, and clear he’d take forward many of the ideas and reforms of the recently former Pope.

Right, wrong, perfect, or deeply flawed – it matters not.

A masterclass in respect for a colleague, someone that’s passed, and of deeply appreciating the profound global leadership role he’s inherited. It’s not a blank sheet of paper – it no doubts has some of the richest history, best bits, and toughest ones.

 And someone that gets it with the big picture, the subtlety and nuance, right down to every individual probably makes for a good choice.

1. Deep care and respect for the organisation by all involved. If the organisation truly comes first, then the agendas, power bases, and possibilities all become a lot clearer, and calmer.
2. Less ego – organisation, people and community before yourself, This is linked to the first point – and is inherent in the best leaders. They did it for others, and they’ll pass it on for others to succeed.
3. Succession is not a dirty word – it’s a tool to enable calm transition. Succession buoyed by many great choices – particularly of an internal team – is a great triumph of leadership, not a dirty word! 
4. A great team – is a belief and a self-fulfilling prophecy. The team that is next can be even better than the great one we’ve just had.

A calm transition will not be without challenges. All the risks are there – self-protection, ego or lack of self-awareness, a lack of planning. Yet giving a contrived blueprint on how to achieve calm in transition is not helpful – context, nuance and judgement are critical with reference to the considerations above.

The summary of it all is small, but big. In any transition – before the big reaction, over-emotion, unravelling – make sure to pause, assess, and look for the calm way through. It will leave you and others with a much better path forward.