Exploring Liminal Spaces – The Journey of Executive Transitions

A liminal space is a space between spaces. A boundary between two points in time.
It is the sacred place of ‘no longer and not yet’.
A change from an identity that no longer fits, to one that you haven’t yet defined.
You could find yourself in a liminal space due to moving countries, moving from married to single, from one company to another, from executive to CEO, from CEO to retiree.
If you reflect back, you can probably remember a liminal time you’ve experienced in the past. I can remember experiencing this 'in between' stage when I moved from being a child to being motherless, from being career focused to being a mother with a career, and from being an executive to being self-employed.
It is not a comfortable space to be in. It can be scary, creating a feeling of being adrift, of having no form, of being between two realities.
It is a transitory place, one we don’t stay in for long, just for the time it takes for us to switch states.
And it can be a profound time, one we don’t get often, and if embraced can be a catalyst for self-reflection and personal growth.
It can be a transformative space, filled with the remnants of our old selves and the unformed potential of who we are to become. Such a transition can be daunting, even for the most experienced leaders amongst us. It often invites us into a space of deep introspection and reevaluation, requiring us to question our identities, beliefs, and the values we've chosen thus far.
This period of transition is not merely an end point, but a departure into the unknown, and one you can navigate with grace, strength, and clarity.  
Embracing the liminal space as a transformative experience can set the stage for a meaningful and impactful leadership journey.
It is important for leaders to be able to acknowledge their vulnerabilities, get support and engage in self-care practices during this time. It is not a journey you have to go alone. Embracing the discomfort and uncertainty of the liminal space can ultimately lead to a successful transition and a more effective leadership style.
Reach out for support as you open to the possibilities of this beautiful in between place and its unique offerings.
 
References
January 7, 2022 by Hanan Parvez Liminal space: Definition, examples, and psychology - PsychMechanics https://www.psychmechanics.com/liminal-space/
September 6, 2022, by Kimberly Dawn Neumann Liminal Space: What Is It And How Does It Affect Your Mental Health? – Forbes Health
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