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Transition Guide for Board Leaders

When executives move on, board leaders are asked to step up. The role and work of the board changes significantly during transition. The risks and opportunities increase exponentially or at least it often feels that way.

Each transition is unique and usually far more complex than the simple hiring decision it appears to be. Ask the board leaders from any three transitions about the experience and at least one will be a nightmare.  All transitions have challenges and stretch the leaders involved.

The most common challenges board leaders face during transition include:

• Negotiating an appropriate ending with the departing executive;
• Deciding who is in charge until the new executive arrives;
• Developing a clear picture of the competencies and personal attributes required of the new executive;
• Reaching consensus on outcome expectations for the new executive;
• Setting compensation and marketing the position in order to attract a diverse and talented finalist pool;
• Interviewing and selecting a candidate legally and focusing on the job and written requirements;
• Negotiating a fair deal with new executive; and
• Getting started well with the new executive with an entry plan that is clear about goals, aspirations and roles--developing a strong social contract with the new executive.

We encourage you to resist the pressure to act too quickly and to take the time to develop a thorough plan.  The Executive Transition Overview section, especially the Three Phases of Executive Transitions, Five Developmental Tasks and Tips for Boards and Search Committees can help.

For more hands-on help, TransitionGuides and its collaborators tailor transition coaching and consulting services to assist organizations with any or all of these challenges.  Click here to find a local guide.  For more information about how we serve nonprofits, click here or call us at (301) 439-6635.

If you're facing an immediate departure of your executive or he/she has already left, see this page:
Need Transition Help Now?

Volunteer Consulting Group and BoardNetUSA are dedicated to strengthening nonprofit boards of directors, with a special focus on helping boards and potential board members find each other.

Visit
www.boardnetUSA.org
or call Evelyn Campos at (212) 447-1236 Ext. 10

TransitionGuides
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