1

The 8-Point Guide to Surviving a

Presidential Transition

The painfully honest guide to keeping your sanity, your self respect and (maybe) your job in the midst of a CEO change.

2

1: Be a good Scout Always be prepared

Smart PR professionals are aware of their local environment – is a change coming?

Keep your strategic marketing plan up to date. Keep your connections strong, on and off campus. Keep your resume handy – you might need it.

3

2: Be one with the process

Designing the perfect president:

Campus meetings to discuss challenges, needs.

Headhunter & the position description: Be a player – offer your suggestions.

Review the position description Where do you fit? Know the code.

4

3: Position Yourself Where are you now and where do you

want to be?

Questions:

1. Are you happy with your spot on the food chain?

2. Are you valued by others in the college?

3. Can you make a move now, or should you wait?

5

4: Do Your Homework

When the finalists are announced, check them out. If the names are made public, talk with your

counterparts at other schools. Be careful.

When the finalist is selected, be part of the announcement – show your value.

6

5: Starting at Zero

Betzner’s axiom: “No matter how great you were in the past, the dial gets reset to zero the day the new boss arrives.” Have your plan ready to share right away. Make bold suggestions – this is a time for big

ideas. Remember: You need to make your new

boss look good. Now.

7

6: Working with the new Prez

Congratulations: You’ve got a new job. Every day is a day to prove yourself. Be upbeat and inspire your staff. Not happy with the way things are going?

Keep it to yourself. Be confident and don’t overreact. Presidents are not hired to keep the status

quo.

8

7: Shotgun Wedding

Things are going to change. Get used to it.

What if the new boss doesn’t like you? What if you don’t like the new boss? The secret plan.

9

8: Making it Work (or not) After six months, review your status.

Do you want the old president to return? Questions:

Is it working?• If yes, great!• If not, it’s time to reassess your future.

• Can you/do you want to stay?• Is it worth it?

10

Surviving the transition: Review You can have a role in the selection of the next

president. Make him/her value your ideas and

contributions right away. Be bold – new leadership could mean new

opportunities! Recognize that things are going to change. No job is worth living an unhappy life. Keep your network active – you might need it.

11

A Case Study

12

August 1, 2011: Marty Parkes Joins LVC

August 1, 2012: Lewis E. Thayne Becomes LVC’s 18th President

August 2, 2012: Middle States Commission Representatives Visit President Thayne

13

14

15

As a Communicator:

Be Empathetic

Be Energetic and Enthusiastic

Be a Good Listener

16

As an Institution:

Be Transparent

Be Clear and Simple

Be Focused

17

There’s Light at theEnd of the Tunnel

June 27, 2013: Middle States Lifts Warning

April 11-12, 2013: Middle States Team Revisits LVC

18

Now Showing

19

20

Questions?