Page 52 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

Entering the Organization 37

Her successor, in turn, praised her accomplishments, thanked her for her
warm welcome, and assured her of his need for her help and consultation in
the future. The transition process was carried out with mutual respect and
good humor. Both parties were sincere. The stage was set for the incumbent
to step aside gracefully, her good name intact.
Once you’re out, you’re out. It is important to let the new leader take the
reins and not interfere with his integration into his new assignment. This is
true whether you are the president of the United States, the CEO of the organ-
ization, or a leader from another department. You do not help yourself, or your
departing organization, by continual meddling—even if your friends within
the organization encourage you to do so.
When you exit, consider taking the following steps:

■ Help introduce your replacement to your former department if you
know who it is. This ties your replacement’s leadership to yours, empha-
sizes an orderly transition, and acknowledges your role in the transition.
Even if you’ve been dismissed, exit with dignity. Even if you’re angry,
exit with grace.
■ Offer your thanks to the entire department for their cooperation and
assistance. Publicly thank people for special efforts, especially your
administrative assistant and those who have helped your career. Give
credit where credit is due.
■ Ask for your former department’s support in your new job. You may
need to call them for recommendations, favors, and information.
■ Privately talk to as many people from your former department or team
as possible.
■ Thank those who helped; make peace with those with whom you had
differences. Provide former direct reports with developmental feedback
where appropriate.
■ Privately update your successor on your goals, performance plan, indi-
vidual development plans, and other important information. Help him
sustain improvements you made. Let him know what you are working
on that needs finishing. Warn your successor about the icebergs and
the glaciers.
■ Clear out any personal items from your office or work area, including your
desk, personal files, computer, cell phone, and PDA (unless you will con-
tinue to work with these). Contact your network and your old clients, and
let them know of your new responsibilities and contact information.