Change is an event but a transition is the process that you go through in response to the change – William Bridges
Note: Today’s blog post as well as the month’s blog series is written Dr. Samson Gichuki.
Up to Speed
Recently, I witnessed something painful. A young man had moved from the West Coast to the East Coast, full of hope for a new job, but within a few months, he was let go. Not for lack of potential, but because he struggled to get up to speed during those critical early weeks of transition, when impressions are being formed and expectations quietly rise.
As a people leader who oversees onboarding and training, I’ve seen this happen far too often. Many individuals struggle to adapt, not because they lack skill, but because they miss a crucial truth: you don’t have to wait until you’ve figured everything out to be valuable. The marketplace, and life in general, rewards those who lean in, contribute early, and solve problems as they go.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve figured everything out to be valuable.
Early Wins
Early wins, even small ones, build confidence and trust. Recently, I received encouraging feedback from my team during our mid-year performance review. My top achievements were noted as: good communication, fostering a supportive team culture, and delivering outstanding training.
Looking back, I realized something surprising, those results weren’t just outcomes of executing tasks; they were a byproduct of intentionality. I had deliberately chosen to connect with my team, to prioritize building a healthy workplace culture, and to pursue high performance at a personal level.
Winning early in a transition, producing value even as you’re still moving from one level or season to another, comes down to three things:
1. Clear goals – The foundation of fruitfulness
As you may have probably experienced, going through transitions can feel at times chaotic and uncertain. But one way to clear the fog is by quickly and earlier on try to figure out what is one key goal you can focus on. When it came to leading others, I found focusing on deepening connection with my team to be the key goal that I could have and use to build on other success. When it came to marriage, in my first year, I focused on building trust and assurance. In ministry, when I was appointed to lead the youth ministry, I chose to look for a common ground with the young people for my first goal since it would give me access into their lives. For you, it might be identifying key responsibilities and aligning with your manager’s expectations in the first 30 days. Or it could be clarifying what success looks like in your relationship. Whatever season or level you’re at, the important thing is to know what matters most in your new environment. When you know what you’re aiming for, your energy and focus follow and allow you to be intentional.
2. Intentionality – The Centerpiece of Fruitfulness
Producing results, becoming a person of value, or getting the most out of any transition is nearly impossible if you settle for being a wandering generality lacking direction, clarity, or focus. In contrast, those who make an impact are anchored by intention.
Being intentional is the centerpiece of fruitfulness in any arena of life. At work, I’ve seen this firsthand. The new hires who quickly grow into successful team members are not always the most talented, but they are always the most intentional. They ask questions, seek feedback, show up prepared, and align their daily actions with clear goals. Over a short time, their contribution becomes visible.
3. Visible contribution – The Evidence of Fruitfulness
The key indicator of a successful transition is visible results, first to yourself, and then to those around you. When you set clear goals and take intentional action, your contribution becomes easier for others to recognize and appreciate.
There are three things you should never hide during a transition: Your effort, tThe solutions you bring, and your commitment to the mission or environment you’re stepping into. These are the bedrock “produce” of mid to late-stage transitions. When people consistently see these in you, they begin to trust your presence, rely on your strengths, and see you as someone worth building with.
Final Thought: Transitions not only test us, they reveal who we are becoming. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, a new relationship, or a new season of life, remember: you don’t have to wait to be useful. Start with clarity, act with intention, and let your contribution be seen. What you produce in the early days of a transition often becomes the foundation for long-term trust and influence.
Bonus Post (Coming Next Week): Producing results is great. But producing people—that’s legacy. In Part 2, we’ll explore how to multiply your impact by raising others during your transition.
Keep on Keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 