--- title: "Leadership Transitions: 3 Steps to Set Up New Leaders for Success" description: Proactivity can greatly reduce the stress of a transition in leadership. Your leadership transition initiative should begin with these 3 distinct steps: image: https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB%20-%20Leadership%20Transition%20-%20Header%20Photo.png --- [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) - [Executive Search Positions](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search) - [Blog](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) - [Blog Posts](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/blog-post) - [News and Events](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/news-events) - [Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/fundraising-2) - [Resources](https://www.twbfundraising.com/resources/) - [Executive Search Positions](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search) - [Blog](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) - [Resources](https://www.twbfundraising.com/resources/) [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) [Contact Us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/contact-us/) April 26, 2021 # Leadership Transitions: 3 Steps to Set Up New Leaders for Success Written by [Dean Rein](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/dean-rein) ![](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB%20-%20Leadership%20Transition%20-%20Header%20Photo.png) So, you and your development team are [planning for the transition](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/filling-your-fundraising-leadership-roles) to a new President or Executive Director and you may be wondering,  "How should we proceed?" or, "How can we be proactive and take initiative?" Proactivity can greatly reduce the stress of a [transition in leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/interim-leadership-transition-counsel/). When your team takes the initiative to introduce your new leader to their role in development programming, you are setting up your organization for long-term success. ## Your leadership transition initiative should begin with these 3 distinct steps: ### 1. Prepare a Background Report [![transition-counsel](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/494592/interactive-182132925000.png)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKyZhQKY%2FsVxgbXT6jXuC3vISnZqh2IRUSqo19iXvtpETIBbj54TBM%2BDP71d3VngV1L%2F4YHJcyXvkXtrllwphoANNzE4KtV17fhFIjwa8kpl%2FmZGGUnZbsWCSCkRH%2BMNY%2FtHKTcQ%2F5raFjo1WJ8MdWRxEwO%2BMGdbZvnW2F1IXwkO1Er9kgdUBELyYz6xU%2Fw9jxXkVBn6iUZDQRFoDtVa0odyz7IQGWMUI6NPfXg93OTL4g%2Buojdrbv5bHPlvtJCXuAJpDptQlMu96heD8l35vAvaMtU5oCv4lJvSdDk2BA2ScKl7k43W4Sj04aG%2BcE9jo8QNcYa8NbUylw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=182132925000&portalId=494592) In taking initiative regarding the leadership transition, your development team should first prepare a background report to share with your new leader. This 30,000-foot overview is designed to provide insight into how the department supports the organization. The background report will cover how the department functions, its goals and initiatives, achievements, and recent track record. Include visuals, such as graphs and tables, that summarize these analytics efficiently and effectively. Brevity is important, however. Try to keep this report to less than eight pages. The search committee may wish to provide this report during the search process to final candidates. Otherwise, it is recommended that this information be provided to the new leader upon the announcement of the selection. ### 2. Introduce Stakeholders Upon creating a cohesive background report, the next step in the transition process is to identify key stakeholders (people, organizations, and groups) the leader should meet. It is important to set up meetings between the incoming leader and these individuals and groups as soon as possible after the Leader assumes his/her new post. #### It is recommended that your team split the stakeholder list into three tiers by priority: 1. VIPs *(your very best donors and volunteers)* 2. Mid-level constituencies 3. Lower Priority targets Organizing in this way will help to arrange the introductions by priority ranking. After separating the stakeholders into these three tiers, it will become easier to envision the process of acquainting your incoming Leader with your stakeholder pool. ### 3. Define the Leader's Development Role Finally, it is critical to anticipate the questions that might arise from the incoming leader, particularly as they pertain to the role the leader plays in [development programming](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/). To do so, construct a “deeper dive” into the specific role the leader plays. This may take the form of a simple spreadsheet, and it will expand upon the responsibilities of the leader as they pertain to any projects typically undertaken. We recommend a process that begins with the 6 interrogative words: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. These words help to frame the questions an incoming leader might ask to comprehend the context of their tasks. #### To start, the format should look something like this: | **WHAT** | **WHY** | **WHO** | **WHERE** | **WHEN** | **HOW** | **LEADER'S ROLE** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Specify the leader's development-specific events or projects.** | **Define the purpose behind the program or activity.** | **Identify the individuals or groups, including the aforementioned stakeholders, involved with the program or activity.** | **Define the whereabouts of the program.** For instance, the program may take place on site, or in one-on-one meetings. | **Establish the timing of the program.** Confirm the event or activity is on the leader’s calendar | Indicate how the program or event might take place. Is it to be held virtually or in-person? | Describe the specific role the leader plays in each program, activity or event. In this manner, you are providing a framework for the leader’s duties as they pertain to the development program. Preparing this document and reviewing it with the new leader upon his/her assumption of office can eliminate any extra stress and avoid unnecessary confusion, setting up your development program for continued success. | #### From left to right, answer each interrogative word’s question regarding the programs. Incorporating background reports, stakeholder identification and introduction strategies will be welcomed resources to help guide your new leader. Completing these three steps, can help your team during the transition process to take initiative confidently and achieve proactivity and long-term success moving forward. Are you interested in transition counsel or help with executive recruitment? [Drop us a line here](https://twbfundraising.com/about-twb/contact-us/) and we'll connect you with one of our senior-level fundraising consultants. [![High-Performance-Board-Cover copy-1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/494592/interactive-143100880534.png)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ%2FWoRSEP6fp6tG%2BTE2eQOvCPLN98z6zvOfi2bt4VL%2B9PC2ehx11Ec%2BrJ7YflmKoacN%2BD8JbAdHF0a5ScsmnnUOsuMI0EC%2BgnR4ZFgguI984SvuPs4F%2BsjhCfiR6K3Dhs8g%2Bfebx6Iwi0%2FzB3WoUu3J5q1agiCINo5iXtGj2Di%2BRKaLDschkRwCQgzYzncv1rcwAAhOoQbkcq1JOg3w3aRcJ%2BGRebqYouXAynS1L%2BENEmun3WaANrTzXkigTyw%2BxB%2FsPRumcT%2FChs1sOEHeu1i4&webInteractiveContentId=143100880534&portalId=494592) - [#Blog Post](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/blog-post) - [#Leadership](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/leadership) - [#Leadership Transition](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/leadership-transition) [![Dean Rein](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/drein-29.jpg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/dean-rein) Written by ### [Dean Rein](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/dean-rein) Dean Rein is Senior Counsel at Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt. ## Comments Questions or comments? Join the conversation! [![TWB Fundraising Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) How to reach us 2 North Riverside Plaza Suite 1875 Chicago IL 60606 - [+1 312.222.0560](tel:3122220560) - [+1 312.222.0565](tel:3122220565) - [info@twbfundraising.com](mailto:info@twbfundraising.com) Follow us on Sign up for our newsletter Get the latest in nonprofit news and advice delivered straight to your inbox. [![The Giving Institute Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TheGivingInstitute_logo.svg)](http://www.givinginstitute.org/members/?id=29718537&&trackr=GivingInst) Copyright © 2026 TWB Fundraising. All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dean Rein", "url" : "https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/dean-rein" }, "dateModified" : "2024-11-22T22:57:05.559Z", "datePublished" : "2021-04-26T19:18:47.000Z", "headline" : "Leadership Transitions: 3 Steps to Set Up New Leaders for Success", "image" : [ "https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB%20-%20Leadership%20Transition%20-%20Header%20Photo.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.twbfundraising.com/leadership-transition", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB-Logo_RGB-web-1.svg" }, "name" : "TWB Fundraising" } } ```