" For work, obviously. About 30 of our staff are about to "transition" into new jobs under a scheme to streamline the administrative positions in our agency in order to build a career ladder for admin staff, so they don't get stuck in the same position for 20 years and can take on management responsibilities. It's a huge project because not only will these 30 people experience the change of starting all new functions and giving up their old roles, but the probably 200 other staff who work with them will also have to adjust. Anyhow, we're doing a session on this book during the orientation for the 30 people moving into new positions. The book's premise is useful - when it comes to people, you don't manage change so much as you manage the transition process brought about by the change. The author sets up a three phase model that probably fairly accurately describes what happens in these cases (not that I'd know yet). The first stage is letting go of the old order, then there's a neutral zone where no one really knows what's going on because they've let go of the old ways but new ways haven't settled in yet, and only after this does the new beginning come. Interesting case studies and examples make for a more interesting read than you'd expect and the suggestions for addressing each phase are also useful. The author's premise is openness - to share as much information with staff as is available to management, even if plans are not yet firm - which is seems like a good rule of thumb to follow in any situation. In terms of a management text, it probably deserves 4 stars, but it did not make for all-absorbing Metro reading, no matter how hard I tried. "
— Agnes, 2/11/2014