A resource to assist outgoing and incoming leaders to complete an effective transition of office

The transition of responsibilities for an office happens after the election but it begins before the commitment is made to run for an office. It is the responsibility of the nominating committee to provide the following information to the perspective office-holder:

• Updated descriptions of the position;
• Schedule of responsibilities for the term of office (calendar of events, and)
• Copy of the bylaws that pertain to the office.

Too often we go into a position not knowing the full scope of duties to be performed. Waiting until after the election is too late.

Outgoing Officer

Pray, Praise and Give Thanks!

• Thanks and praise to God for the opportunity to serve Him.

Make Updates

• Update files, forms, guidelines, calendar of events, and directories.
• Put pertinent information on a flash drive so it can be recycled with updating. Save it as a text document so it can be shared between software programs.
• Update records and minutes that belong to the office. These should be in order.

Clean house

• Items of historical significance should be sent to the Archivist-Historian.
• Remove unimportant or personal correspondence from files.
• When in doubt, do NOT throw it out.

Meet with New Officer

• Review together all records, files, and materials on paper or on flash drive.
• Highlight items of extreme importance.
• Remember you are there as a servant, resource and mentor.
• Make certain there is an understanding of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.

Pray For and With the New Officer

• Make yourself available to the new officer.
• Pray for the Lord’s continuing guidance for the new officer.

Incoming Officer

Pray, Praise and Give Thanks!

• Know that you have been chosen by God to fulfill the duties of this office.

Prepare Yourself Personally

• Read the Scriptures.
• Obtain leadership information form the library, Christian bookstores, seminars, etc.
• Obtain leadership information from LWML, either from the catalog or via download from the LWML website (www.lwml.org) under the Leader Helps tab.
  • Meetings 101
  • Leadership in Pairs
  • Look of a Leader
  • Committees, Complete Guidelines

Acquaint Yourself with the Office

• Review the guidelines, schedule of responsibilities, and bylaws pertaining to the office.
• Meet with the outgoing officer and familiarize yourself with all the current records and files.
• Stay in touch with the outgoing officer and use her as an expert resource.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions. The only dumb question is the one you did not ask.

You are ready to serve the Lord with gladness!

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10).

View printable PDF of this article, Stay Calm and Transition On