The house of pain...or the honeymoon is over

I teach a class to new supervisors on "situational leadership" and in that class tell my supervisors that we all go through several phases as we take on a new job or task. The first phase we call the "eager learner."(Some might call them "ignorant fools!" :)) . Someone is new to the job and is excited about the opportunity. They jump right in with enthusiasm even though they don't know what they're doing and are a little "Trepidatious."

After the newness wears off they begin to realize the job is a harder than they imagined. Expections may be higher but they're still not "competent" enough in the new job. It's hard work, and "the honeymoon is over". We call these folks the "disillusioned learner." (Reality bites!) That individual is in "the house of pain".

The next phase begins as the individual grows more competent in their job and things become a little easier and they gain more confidence. Finally the individual becomes 'the expert' in the job, performs it fairly effortlessly and takes pride and joy in their accomplishments and skill.

Everyone goes through these phases as they tackle something new. They may stay longer in one phase or the other, but we all go through the cycle. I teach my supervisors that they really have to coach and encourge those folks in "the house of pain," and help them get through it quickly. I think many of us are in that stage right now. We're struggling with the reality of what we've committed to. We see where we are now and have doubts that we'll be where we need to be by October.

Let's all help each other remember that this is a phase, and that with our own commitment and resolve, and each others' support, we'll get through this phase and before long be moving toward being that stage 4 highly competent runner, wogger, walker who completes the Chicago Marathon. We'll get there together!