The transition of leadership for your organization can be a
smooth and positive experience. Transition may determine the effectiveness
of the group for years to come.
A smooth transition is:
- The responsibility of both the outgoing and incoming members
- A way to help the group to move forward
- A transfer of significant organizational knowledge
- Providing a sense of closure for outgoing members
- Using the valuable contributions of experienced leaders
- A great opportunity for outgoing leaders to reflect on the past year
- An orientation process for the new leaders
- The leadership changeover period
- A time to ask questions and to give advice
- An outgoing leader’s last chance to say “Try this...” or “I learned this…”
When working with new leaders:
- Share what has worked
- Share problems, helpful ideas, procedures and recommendations
- Acquaint them with office surroundings (where applicable)
- Meet together with the group’s advisor(s)
- Introduce them to important campus personnel
Specific information to give new officers:
- Constitution and Bylaws (should be at the SSA Office)
- Job descriptions of officers and membership
- Description of committees
- Resource or contact list of important/helpful people
- The Leader’s Guide (Website)
- Organization member and phone lists
- Reservation confirmations
- Calendar of annual events (rough estimate of what happens each month
- Mission, or purpose statements of organizations
- Lists of goals for organization
- List of expectations of members
- Financial reports (Treasurer & Advisor)
- Status report on current and continuing projects
- Meeting minutes and agendas
- Advisor name and contact information
In addition to these suggestions, try holding a retreat. This will
not only help each position get to know their responsibilities, but it will
also help the new people see how each position functions as a part of a team.
It can include outgoing officers or just the new ones. Things
to include during this retreat include: Ice breakers, evaluation/discussion
of year’s events, officer exchanges, and goal setting.
Utilize your advisor and be sure to spend time establishing what the next
year should bring the organization.