Passing The Baton - Transitioning New Student Leaders [#2]

Now that I've identified why the transition period between outgoing and incoming student leaders is so important (here), let's take a look at the process of transitioning new student leaders in.

• Early on in the school year or during the first part of a student leader year, one should begin to be on the lookout for potential student leaders. This is an ongoing process.  One never knows when a potential person may reveal themselves as a possibility to serve as a student leader.

• Once a potential candidate is identified, personally encourage that person through conversation about their possible involvement.  Be sure to identify for them the characteristics and qualities that you have noticed in them.  Tell them why you feel that they are qualified to step into this role and what makes them a candidate for leadership.

• Begin to invest in this potential student leader's growth and development. If you have recognized their potential, then provide opportunities for them to hone their skills.  Delegate some responsibilities, tasks or projects to them, share with them the benefits of leadership, and clarify what kinds of things are expected of them should they choose to serve in a student leadership position.

It's important to realize that part of the transition begins even before an incoming student leader is selected.  Yet, these initial investments will provide a greater source of potential student leaders to step into the position after you leave.

There are also some very practical ways to invest in an incoming student leader once they are elected or selected to continue in your position:

• Create a leadership notebook that outlines the various responsibilities and details that one should expect in this position. Keep all of your notes, ideas, and resources that you used throughout the year to be successful.

• Develop a shadowing program. Allow the incoming leader to follow you around for a week as you work in your student leader position.  Let them see how you handle situations and introduce them to the people that you network with.  Help them to see your leadership style and begin to identify their own.  Take time to debrief with you and begin to think about what they might do the same and what will be different.

• Keep a list of important information that an incoming student leader will find helpful to this position. These things can include:
    Consititution & by-laws
    Job descriptions
    Organizational goals and objectives
    Status reports of ongoing projects
    Evaluations of previous projects and programs
    Previous minutes and reports
    Resources and contact lists
    Financial books and records
    Mailing lists
    Historical records, scrapbooks, and equipment

As you can see, the successful transition of an incoming student leader is dependant upon the time and investment made by the outgoing student leader.  This may be something that you want to include in the job description for your student leader positions.

Next, I'll go over a checklist of ways to make sure that the transition process is as smooth as possible.

Comments

[Nikki again]

Sorry about the typo. Also, that isn't a direct quote from Tim, just paraphrased.

[Nikki Bodenstab]

My favorite saying of Tim's is: "You don't have to know everything, you just have to konw where to find it." I think that's why having notebooks, written documentation, is so important. There's no way that we'll remember all the information we need, but as long as we have access to it.