The biggest lie

"This will be a seamless transition."

We’ve all heard the hype:

…and despite best intentions, it didn’t happen.

Try telling your 14-year-old that going through puberty will be seamless. See how that goes.

The fact is: transitions aren’t seamless.

By nature, they’re bumpy, awkward, challenging, and imperfect.

There’s no other way.

Let’s start speaking and living from the truth. Especially when the truth is difficult:

This data conversation will have its challenges, and it will improve our functionality.
This leadership change will be difficult, and it’s exactly what our culture needs.
This merger will be a lot of work, and it will ensure our long-term success.

You’ll earn credibility and build trust by resisting the impulse to insist everything will be perfect.

It won’t.

And that's okay.