2We all know that when it comes to business, there are many transitions that occur. You might change locations. You might change the product you’re producing or the service you’re providing.  Or you might change the people who work for you. Sometimes, a change of staff is forced upon the organization because a number of key people leave. At other times, you might make a conscious decision to bring about a leadership transition. In this case, It always helps to have a leadership transition plan.  This is similar to the hiring and training of new employees by the ones who are leaving, only it takes place at a higher level. Here are a few important factors that should be considered during a leadership transition.

Time.  

This is one of the key factors you need to consider when a transition is taking place. In order for the transition to be smooth, there shouldn’t be too much of a time lapse between one person leaving their position and another person taking it up. Ideally, someone in a leadership position who is leaving a company should be there to walk the new person through everything. Sometimes, people even take on protégés a year or two before they leave so that they can share the benefit of their experience with those people. Other times this just is not possible, for many different reasons. But, leaving an organization without a leader, even for a short period of time can have disastrous effects!

Qualifications.

When you’re hiring someone new in a high level position, you’re obviously trying to get the most qualified person that you can. These qualifications can come in the form of education, which is valuable, or work experience, which is even more valuable. Of course, if the position is taken over by a protégé, that’s the best possible solution because that person already understands the mindset of the organization and knows how to work within it. The transition will go smoothly and there will not be any hiccups during the transition. However, bringing in fresh blood also has its advantages because it results in an infusion of new ideas.

Passion.  

When you bring in a new leader, you’re looking for passion, enthusiasm and a strong belief in the goals of the organization. These qualities are hard to find. You may be able to find a hard worker and a conscientious person. It’s easier to get someone detail-oriented as opposed to someone who knows how to lead people. But when you look for a leader, you have to find someone with qualities at both ends of the spectrum—someone with enthusiasm as well as someone who is detail-oriented, has passion as well as the ability to work hard. A leader inspires others to keep going through enthusiasm but becomes a role model through hard work.

Contact us for more great ways to come up with leadership transition plans for your company.