In this section, you will find: an overview on leadership transitions; tools to assess why the last leader left; a list of steps to take to ensure a successful transition; tips and common mistakes to avoid around transitions; information on the board’s role in leadership changes; things to consider when the organization’s founder leaves; basic information for starting off the new director on the right path; sample forms and questions for exit interviews; survey for identifying the characteristics wanted in a new leader; sample interview materials; sample evaluation forms; sample emergency and succession plans; and more.
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Transitions: The Basics
- Planning for Successful Transitions
- Ten Basic Steps for Transitions
- The Board’s Role in Succession Planning
- Mistakes to Avoid Around Transitions
- Challenges of Founder’s Syndrome
- When a Beloved Leader Leaves
- When Facing a Transition
- When a New Leader is Hired
Sample, Template and Resource Section
- Sample Exit Interview (PDF)
- Sample Exit Interview Questions (PDF)
- Sample Survey for Identifying Key Qualities for the New Director (PDF)
- Sample Confidentiality Agreement (PDF)
- Sample Interview Questions (PDF)
- Sample Interview Assessment (PDF)
- Sample Executive Director Contract (PDF)
- Sample Self-Evaluation for Director (PDF)
- Sample Director Evaluation Form (PDF)
- Sample Succession Plan Policy (PDF)
- Emergency Succession Plan Outline (PDF)
- Emergency Succession Plan Template (PDF)
- Sample Succession Plan (PDF)