MWCC and MNA Staff Transition Resources

Weathering staff and leadership transitions can be a daunting challenge for any small organization, especially for small nonprofits. But proper planning, transparency, investment, and collaboration can allow any organization to address change one step at a time. Working with the theme of “Cultivate”, MWCC Board Chair, Zach Owen, joined Montana Nonprofit leaders at the Montana Nonprofit Association Annual Conference as a guest panelist to highlight leadership transition pitfalls, opportunities, and tips and tricks.

And Cultivate was an appropriate theme. As MNA advertised, “Cultivation is the process of intention, growth, renewal, and transformation. By focusing on the essentials, we create space for big things to thrive.” Zach highlighted a few essentials for any leadership transition:

• A leadership transition doesn’t end with the new hire – Make sure new staff and new leaders are supported as they make their way through the first 30, 60, or 90 days
• And remember, we are all just people trying to achieve our missions. None of us are perfect, but if we step back and give ourselves time to plan for tomorrow we can find success while major transitions are afoot. 

So how can small organizations continue to cultivate during leadership transitions? Join MWCC Board Chair Zach Owen to discuss and learn about MWCC’s experience with leadership transitions from start to finish; from transition planning, to post-hiring, and all the way through staff onboarding.  Zach will lead this Conservation Conversation on January 17th, 2024 at noon. Register here!