Managing Executive Transitions

A Fieldstone Alliance Publication

Managing Executive Transitions A Guide for Nonprofits

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Feel free to use and adapt the following announcements in publications, web sites, etc. There are three versions of differing lengths: 411 words, 340 words, and 194 words.

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411 words:
New Guide Helps Nonprofits Manage Leadership Turnovers

A new book by executive transition expert Tim Wolfred guides nonprofits through what can be a daunting time—a change in leadership. Managing Executive Transitions: A Guide for Nonprofits helps boards and executive directors handle leadership turnovers in a way that prevents problems and sets the organization on a path for long-term success.

A majority of nonprofit boards will be faced with executive transitions in the near future. According to a 2006 CompassPoint survey of two thousand executive directors, 75 percent of them planned to leave their jobs in five years or less. Yet, less than a third of the executives had discussed succession planning with their boards.

Many nonprofit boards aren’t prepared. Too often they push ahead with a typical hiring process. “Executive transitions involve more than simple recruiting,” explains Wolfred. “A leadership transition is a pivotal moment—an opportunity for transformation. When the director leaves, things become a bit unglued. This unglued state gives board and staff a chance to put things back together in new and creative ways, to let go of some old pieces, and to bring in fresh elements.”
Managing Executive Transitions encourages a transformational process with three phases: Prepare, Pivot, and Thrive.

In the Prepare phase board members, staff, volunteers, and funders craft a profile of the skills needed in the next executive. The organization also identifies the major constraints that hold it back from achieving its strategic vision and sets goals for addressing them.
In the Pivot phase a search ensues, conducted by a board reinvigorated and excited about the agency's future impact. Staff takes the first steps toward resolving identified constraints.
In the Thrive phase the board engages the newly hired executive as a leadership partner and gives him or her clear performance priorities derived from the strategic directions.

The guide’s process, case studies, and tools—including planning agendas, timelines, sample letters, and communication tips—are based on the experience of CompassPoint’s team of transition consultants who have helped more than 300 nonprofits. “We wanted to share what we know,” says Wolfred, “especially with medium-sized and smaller nonprofits that need affordable guidance and proven tools to help them manage these transitions. Ultimately, a well-done transition builds excitement for the future of an agency and draws resources to its programs.”

Managing Executive Transitions can be ordered from bookstores or directly from the publisher at www.FieldstoneAlliance.org or call 1-800-274-6024. $29.95, 184 pages, 2009, ISBN 978-0-940069-57-2.

340 words:
New Guide Helps Nonprofits Manage Leadership Turnovers

Many nonprofit boards aren’t prepared and rush ahead with a typical hiring process. “Executive transitions involve more than simple recruiting,” explains Wolfred. “A leadership transition is a pivotal moment—an opportunity for transformation. It gives board and staff a chance to put things back together in new and creative ways, to let go of some old pieces, and to bring in fresh elements.” Managing Executive Transitions encourages a transformational process with three phases: Prepare, Pivot, and Thrive.

In the Prepare phase board members, staff, volunteers, and funders craft a profile of the skills needed in the next executive.
In the Pivot phase a search ensues, conducted by a board reinvigorated and excited about the agency's future impact.
In the Thrive phase the board engages the newly hired executive as a leadership partner and gives him or her clear performance priorities.

The guide’s process, case studies, and tools—including planning agendas, timelines, sample letters, and communication tips—are based on the experience of CompassPoint’s team of transition consultants. “We wanted to share what we know,” says Wolfred, “especially with medium-sized and smaller nonprofits that need affordable guidance and proven tools to help them manage these transitions. Ultimately, a well-done transition builds excitement for the future of an agency and draws resources to its programs.”

194 words:
New Guide Helps Nonprofits Manage Leadership Turnovers

Managing Executive Transitions, a new book by CompassPoint expert Tim Wolfred, guides nonprofits through what can be a daunting time—a change in leadership.

“A leadership transition is a pivotal moment,” explains Wolfred. “It’s an opportunity transformation—a chance to let go of some old pieces, and to bring in fresh elements.” Managing Executive Transitions encourages a process with three phases: Prepare, Pivot, and Thrive.

In the Prepare phase board and staff identify the skills needed in the next executive.
In the Pivot phase a search ensues.
In the Thrive phase the board brings on the executive and gives him or her clear performance priorities.

The guide’s process, case studies, and tools—including planning agendas, timelines, sample letters, and communication tips—are based on the experience of CompassPoint’s team of transition consultants. “We wanted to share what we know,” says Wolfred, “especially with medium-sized and smaller nonprofits that need affordable guidance and proven tools to help them manage these transitions.”