Tying Them Together

                Well, I've been discussing transitions, change, communication and relationships.  What do they have to do with each other?  I think that communication and relationships are critical in adjusting to change.

                The first task when a new situation or problem occurs is to be certain you understand it.  Communication skills allow you to gather information, check your understanding of it, and find alternative solutions or answers.  If you have built strong relationships with several people, you can also get another view to help you decide how to respond.  Without communication and relationships, you are left to adjust alone in whatever way your limited skills and perspective can stumble upon.

                Adjusting to some changes is pretty easy and straightforward.  When those more difficult, and more important, changes come along, you need communication skills and relationships skills to help smooth the transition.

                Communication and relationships will be the subject of multiple entries on this blog in the near future.  Before that, I have some thoughts about the transition to retirement.  It’s been over a year and I think I’m finally ready to present some of my thoughts on this big change.  Stay tuned.