You can't do your best job unless you know what it is. The challenges of the President-To-Be require full knowledge and understanding of the issues that face the organization plus an awareness of the business plan for the organization.
1. Synergistic Interface with President and AE
This needs to be a cohesive triad for the organization to remain strong. Both the AE and the President must ensure that you have the information and the tools to be prepared. All endeavors of the organization should include your input and knowledge, especially if the ramifications of the issue will extend into or beyond your term so that seamless forward movement can be maintained. They are your 'business partners' during your term and must always be kept in the loop. The PE does not do anything without the prior knowledge and informed consent of the AE and the President. To do so would signal that you are not the leader that you pretend to be.
2. PE should have an Active Role
At one time some organizations had a perception that the PE was 'to be seen but not heard' so as not to overshadow or outshine the President's role. This is an archaic perspective that has yielded to a more prudent business model of 'partnering' or 'team leadership'. Everyone, especially in senior leadership positions, should have an opportunity for platform time and be an integral part of the business meeting.
3. Substitute when directed
There will be times when the President may require assistance. The PE should be able to chair a meeting, host an event or interface with the media at the President or AE's request. This is the primary reason for the triad to be synchronized in their information, goals and organizational objectives. 'One Voice' for the organization may not always be the same voice.
4. Supervises Short-Term Team Goals
The President can't do everything. Depending on the levels of the team structure, the PE may be the immediate supervisor of the committee chairs and vice-chairs. If not, it is probable that the PE will be the immediate supervisor of the Vice Presidents that directly supervise the committee chairs and vice-chairs. Either way, the PE is in the pipeline for reports from the committee level and keeps the AE and the President fully apprised should issues arise. No President should be blind-sided by committee initiatives, action items to come before of board of directors or positions opposed to current policy. In addition, each committee should have a business plan and the PE makes sure, with the assistance of others, that all short-term team goals are accomplished by supervising 'loosely' and that the committees' efforts enhance the overall business plan.
5. Maintains Continuing Progress of Long-Term Team Goals
Some goals or team objectives cannot be attained within the year. Often times certain initiatives require multiple years to accomplish which can span over the terms of several presidents. The PE has the responsibility to watch over committee initiatives that may blossom during someone else's term later by providing continuity, support, momentum and background for the action item.
6. Interfaces with the Association Staff
Although the staff is there to support you and the team, they are not your personal staff. It is not within your purview to directly delegate anything to them. All proposed ideas, initiatives or perspectives that you have are discussed with your President and the AE. The AE will manage the activities of their staff and direct them accordingly. As the PE, should you not be pleased with any staff issue, speak privately with the President and AE about your concerns.
7. Prepares next person to take over
Your position, by most by-laws and charters, automatically entitles you to the Presidential seat following your term. Your main focus is to keep your eyes open for future leaders and potential talent for other positions. You have an opportunity to create your own team and to actively seek out individuals that can get the job done with the organization's best interest at heart. Working closely with the AE you should aim for a broad spectrum of representation with diversified opinions. This will position your team to deal with the issues from a stronger foundation from which a more viable organizational structure can be built.
