The transition between seasons, from summer to autumn, is particularly evident in the things we can notice around us; there is the changing of leaves from bright greens to vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds, the air is becoming chillier with a bit more bite to it, and the daylight hours are shortening, brining darkness earlier. All of these signifiers serve to nudge us gently from one phase of life into another. I am particularly drawn, around this particular time of year, to the practise of noticing these changes and tending to them, both crucial aspects of our life and leadership as we navigate through times of natural transitions.

Noticing: Embracing Change

In our fast-paced world, one that can seem at times overwhelming and chaotic, it is easy to overlook the subtle shifts that indicate a significant change. Where I am based in the UK, I am becoming keenly aware of the shortening daylight hours, a reminder of the impending shift into autumn before the movement into winter. In nature, as in leadership, the signs of change are there, some more subtle and some more obvious, and it is important to our growth and development to take the time to notice them.

Noticing is not simply about observing but about understanding the implications of these changes on our behaviors, decisions, and actions. It involves a deep sense of presence and awareness of our environment, in the moment, and of our responses to it. Being mindful of the emotional, psychological, and physical reactions that changes are having on ourselves and our teams provides a foundation on which we can create stronger cultures of care and psychological safety. 

Tending: Engaging with Change

Once we notice the changes, it is time to begin tending to them. This often involves actively engaging with the transition, managing our responses to them, carving out the time to spend on them, and preparing ourselves for the road ahead. Tending is about taking care of, nurturing, and supporting ourselves, and potentially others, through a process that might be challenging, but can be rich with opportunity.

In our roles as leaders, this can mean several things. It might involve revisiting and possibly revising our approach to our teams, their perspectives, and their way of working. It might require us to offer additional support to our teams, helping them navigate through uncertainty or to foster resilience and adaptability in their role within the workplace. It might mean that we, as those in positions of leadership, have to reassess and rework how we are engaging with those who are looking to us for guidance, and make changes to our own behaviours and communication with which we may not be entirely comfortable. 

The Power of Embracing Transitions

As we begin to make adjustments to our daily lives and routines in preparation for the changing seasons ahead of us, it can be beneficial to make similar, congruent adjustments to how we are approaching our roles as leaders, to begin to move more fluidly and smoothly through changes, not fighting against them but rather embracing them as they come into our lives. This will look different for each leader’s individual set of circumstances, some of us may find a change of location beneficial, others of us may need an overhaul of old routines to move forward, equally some of us may need to seek out a fresh set of perspectives and opinions. Embracing transitions means allowing ourselves, as leaders, the flexibility and openness to move through times of change comfortably with the least amount of resistance and disruption, in turn creating a feeling of safety and security in what might be times of uncertainty for ourselves and for others who are looking to us for leadership.

Making Times of Transition More Comfortable

In these times of transition, which can be both difficult and rewarding, it is important to remember to treat yourself with kindness and consideration, to make these periods of change as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Over the years, I have experimented with numerous ways of making these transitions less negatively impactful on my life and my leadership, and I am sharing a couple of them here which I have found useful.

As a form of reflective practise, I have always enjoyed the power of creativity and walking in nature. The forms of creativity that bring me the most joy are writing and photography, and I often find that pairing these with being outside in nature, walking and noticing my surroundings as I do so, allow me moments of calm and provide a perfect stage from which to reflect upon how situations and interactions in my life are impacting me. Writing out these thoughts and feelings and expressing them creatively mean that they are no longer just in my head and I have the ability to then approach experiences with a clearer mind and a better capacity to make changes that are needed. 

In many environments, I place great value in doing regular check-ins with teams and colleagues to ensure that everyone is feeling appreciated and that a culture of care and connection is being nurtured. I have also found that doing regular check-ins with myself about how I am thinking, feeling, and approaching new and ongoing situations, is beneficial. They help me slow down, take notice, and tend to what needs my attention. 

There is no one, right way to notice and tend to what needs to be. Reflection and growth are personal and will look different for each each of us. The personal and professional rewards of finding and fostering methods of progression through times of change that work for you are plentiful. Remember, there is no one way to do so, you just need to make the time to do it.

More Than Just a Practise

Noticing and tending are more than just practises for personal and leadership development and growth. They are essential skills that allow us to navigate the complexities that are a natural part of both life and leadership. As we move deeper into the autumn and prepare for the winter ahead, I encourage you to take a moment to notice the changes around you and create the time to tend to what needs attention. In doing so, we ready ourselves not just for the season ahead but for the continual growth and progression that life demands of us. By embracing these practices, we can find the strength and flexibility to lead with confidence and compassion, regardless of the season or the challenges it brings.