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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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A Case Study
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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
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As a Communicator:
Be Empathetic
Be Energetic and Enthusiastic
Be a Good Listener
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As an Institution:
Be Transparent
Be Clear and Simple
Be Focused
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There’s Light at theEnd of the Tunnel
June 27, 2013: Middle States Lifts Warning
April 11-12, 2013: Middle States Team Revisits LVC
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Now Showing
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Questions?
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