A conceptual model for leadership transition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a model of leadership transition based on an integrative review of literature. The article establishes a compelling case for focusing on leadership transitions as an area for study and leadership development practitioner intervention. The proposed model in this study identifies important success factors leading to a successful leader transition into an existing team. Specifically, the article discusses such success factors as managing first impressions, aligning expectations, recognizing stress, managing feedback seeking, building relationships, and using structured methods for leadership development. It is anticipated that this study will help leadership and organization development practitioners who work to develop leadership capacity better understand the potential consequences associated with ignoring factors affecting leader transitions. Furthermore, this study offers insights into success factors that practitioners can leverage in developing interventions to help leaders transition.