Apr 2025 - Orientation Briefings for Leadership Transitions
Orientation briefings are essential for ensuring a smooth and effective transition between leaders. These briefings, prepared and maintained in real time by staff, should always be ready to support unexpected departures, including unplanned or rapid exits.
Think of the orientation briefing as a mobile “continuity file”—a reference tool that incoming leaders can keep on hand as they acclimate to the organization. It provides structured insight into the company and its operations, helping the new leader make informed decisions and prioritize engagements.
It is recommended to structure orientation briefings across three progressive levels of detail. These are commonly referred to as either “101,” “201,” and “301” briefings (mirroring college course levels) or as “Level 1,” “Level 2,” and “Level 3” briefings.
Briefings are typically delivered over a three-day period, allowing time to absorb information, ask questions, and request additional data or clarification. The process enables new leaders to logically assess the organization, identify areas for site visits or deeper exploration, and evaluate staff roles and performance.
While the specific content may vary, the following outlines a common structure for the three levels:
Level 1: Strategic Overview
Focuses on the organization as a whole and senior leadership. Topics include:
o Mission, vision, and strategic goals
o Organizational structure and leadership hierarchy
o Roles and responsibilities of senior leaders (e.g., COO, CFO)
o Board of Directors engagement (if applicable)
o Regulatory and legal considerations
o Business cadence and decision-making rhythms
o Key performance metrics across finance, business development, operations, and personnel
Level 2: Operational Overview
Focuses on departmental operations and middle management. Topics include:
o Departmental missions, priorities, and goals
o Structure and mid-level leadership roles (e.g., SVPs, VPs, Directors)
o Operational tempo and rhythms
o Performance metrics related to finance, personnel, and departmental operations
Level 3: Tactical Overview
Focuses on staff-level functions, key projects, and program execution. Topics include:
o Project and program goals and priorities
o Team structure and responsibilities (e.g., Senior Managers, Project/Program Managers)
o Daily business cadence
o Detailed performance data on project execution, resource allocation, and staff roles
