Learning to Dance: Keeping the Partnership of President and Staff in Rhythm

Larger all-volunteer organizations frequently have one or more paid staff to support the work of the association's officers, at least at the regional or national level. The relationship between the association's president or chairperson and the top employee is critical to furthering the work to be done. But just as these leaders have grown accustomed to each other's styles, talents, and quirks, everything changes and a newly-elected board takes office.

How do organizations handle the transition period when the baton is being passed from one president to the next? From practical tips to poetic musing, this article tries to help.