Leadership Transitions

Eric S. DavidsonAssociate Director, EIU Health Service

2007 National Conference for Advisors of Peer Education Groups

Why Leadership Transition is Important

New leaders will not have to reinvent Organization will be able to start the new year

with momentum Previous leaders’ experiences & knowledge will

not go to waste New leaders will have knowledge and training

leading to increased confidence and help group grow

Outgoing leaders will feel a sense of closure

Passing the GavelDifferent Methods

The Clean Sweep

New Leaders start completely from scratch Everything old is thrown out Traditions, long term goals, rules are

thrown out Starting from ground zero

Catch as You Can

Old officer dumps everything on new officer

No communication about expectations of position occurs

No training by former leader New leader left in the dark about the future

and functions of the group and its leadership positions

The Inside Shuffle

Old & new leader meet to discuss duties and responsibilities of the office

Other positions do the same Group of old and new leaders never meet to

discuss how positions interact New leaders never meet to begin

teambuilding process, leader training, goal setting, etc.

The Fish Bowl

Old leader and new leader sit in middle of a circle, allowing other new and old leaders to listen to information being passed along

All leaders hear and understand responsibilities of the particular position

All leaders discuss responsibilities of all positions and how they interact after each position has been in the middle

Top of the Line

Extended retreat Planned by older leaders, but allows new

leaders time to work together to begin building their team concept and goals

Look at organization’s past history, goals, projects and activities

Discuss leadership roles and responsibilities Develop goals and action plan for coming

year.

Things you need to do before leaving for summer

Meet with the person who currently holds leadership position

Read official duty descriptions for leadership position

Know what is expected of you from previous leader, other new leaders, group members, and advisor

Read organization’s constitution

Things you need to do before leaving for summer

Meet with your advisor Meet with other new leaders Get summer and fall addresses for old

leaders, new leaders, and members Find out what plans have already been made

for the fall Discuss what plans need to be made for the

fall

Things you need to do before leaving for summer

Know where important materials are stored Review all files that pertain to your position Switch over signatures (banking accounts,

credit forms, mailing addresses) Start making a list of questions, and asking

them now if at all possible

Questions to ask current leader

What did you like best about your job? What did you like the least? What was the most difficult decision that

you made? What could you have done to make the

experience better? Obstacles to performing my job effectively

were….

Questions to ask current leader

Who assisted you in handling your job? What did you wish you had known before

taking the job? What are the best ways to use our advisor? What should I do over the summer to help

prepare me for the school year? What services/office/programs should I

know about on campus

Questions to ask advisor

What do you expect from me? What can I expect from you? What are the best ways to communicate

with you? Should we meet on a regular basis? Can I contact you at home?

Start Setting Goals

Start brainstorming for your position and organization NOW!

List goals that you can do right away List goals for things that need to be done over the

summer List goals for fall, spring or entire year Use SMART Formula (Specific, Measurable,

Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Oriented)

How to Prepare for Future Leader Transitions

This begins now and continues even after you leave your position

Look and develop future leaders Write it all down Start recording duties, ideas, successes,

hints Organize and file Help develop other leaders