FLASHFACTS

Officer Transition

Keys to a Smooth Transition!

First, learn the responsibilities of the position by reading the organizations constitution, bylaws, past records/meeting minutes, past group objectives, past officer’s evaluations,

Incoming leaders should meet with current or past officers of the organization to:

1. Recognize current projects that can be continued or improved.
2. Identify the resources, both on and off campus that have assisted the organization in accomplishing goals.
3. Establish past goals and accomplishments.
4. Shadow the outgoing officers activities for at least two weeks.

Outgoing leaders should share their expertise, knowledge, and experience.

1. Share effective leadership qualities and skills, and also share problems, helpful ideas, and recommendations.
2. Share an outline of the "everyday stuff," and have prepared an outline of accomplishments and important things to do.
3. Write a report sharing traditions, ideas utilized in completed projects, concerns, and ideas that were not implemented.
4. Go through personal and organizational files together, so that the incoming leader can feel grounded, and the outgoing leader gets a feeling of completion and satisfaction with her or his work.
5. Introduce new officers to administrators and fellow student leaders, and get to know critical players and networks pertinent to the organization.

Looking Towards the Future …

1. Learn the role of the advisor to the organization and how to best use the advisor.
2. Start early—do not procrastinate—your term will go fast.
3. Get others involved to help you and to help with the transition period after your term is complete
4. Stay motivated and focused!

For more information on how to be a successful leader, get a copy of Flash Facts: Qualities of Exemplary Leaders!

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