Passing The Baton - Transitioning New Student Leaders [#3]

Now that I've addressed the importance (here) and process (here) of the transition process, I'd like to finish up by sharing a checklist of ideas that will assist in making the transition as smooth as possible.

• There should be a period of time between the election of a new student leader and the point where he/she is installed into office.  This period of time can be used as an overlap time for incoming and outgoing student leaders to work together.

• Outgoing student leaders need to think about this question: What do I wish I had known coming into this position?  Provide your answer to the incoming student leader.

• A student leadership position is a continuation of what the previous student leader had accomplished. The outgoing student leader should provide a report about traditions, ideas, projects, continuing projects, or concerns that were never dealt with.

• If there were any changes made to ongoing documents (like codes or constitutions) make sure that the incoming student leader receives an updated copy of those things.

• Make sure that your job description is accurate and up-to-date with the responsibilities of the position.

• Encourage informal and conversational times between incoming and outgoing student leaders.

• The outgoing student leader should leave behind anything that he/she doesn't need and will be helpful for the incoming student leader to have access to.

• Any type of orientation in regards to organizational systems, policies, expectations, resources, and networks is extremely beneficial.

• Outgoing student leaders should introduce the incoming student leader to key personnel that he/she will be working with, networking with, or need to be familiar with.

• Outgoing student leaders should leave contact information (email, cell phone #) for the incoming student leader in case there are any questions.

Remember, the goal of a smooth transition isn't to create an identical student leader like the one who is leaving.  But rather, it is to provide enough of a framework of the position that the incoming student leader can feel confident to move forward in the position using his/her own gifts and abilities.  It is an attempt to remove as many blindspots and increase the effectiveness of the incoming student leader.

Finally, a smooth transition is a final reflection on the leadership of the outgoing student leader.  A successful student leader will leave a lasting legacy and not simply leave.

[This information was adapted and enhanced from an article entitled Training Tips for Student Organization Officers by Laura Green, University of Texas]

Comments

[tim]

Heather.

That is a great point. An outgoing student leader can get territorial or simply not want to work with the incoming student leader. I wonder what happens if the transition process is included in a student leader's job description?

[Nikki B.]

Perfect. What a great idea to think back to what I wish I would have known. Are you ready for it Kenton?

[Heather]

I think that transition time can be wonderfully smooth, but occasionally a grey (yes, I spelled it with an 'E'--that's the English way!) area. One of the most intimidating things for a new leader taking over someone else's position is that they generally don't want to step on anyone's toes...The outgoing leader needs to be conscious of this and should encourage the new leader to feel free to start 'taking over,' and show excitement about any ideas the new leader is bringing to the table. No one needs to feel threatened in any way.