The Pope is resigning and it hasn’t happened since 1415. The news is covering who the next pope will be and pontificating on why the current pope is really stepping down (Like being old as dirt isn’t reason enough). The thing that is really interesting to me is the transition. How does a Pope transition out? And talk about the awkward transition for the new guy.
Thing is transitions are difficult anywhere in ministry. Unfortunately I have been part of a few of these. Some have been healthy…some VERY not. Actually in a few weeks I will be involved with transition again. Since I have been a part of this transition thing a few times I figured I would give the Popes some tips.
For the Outgoing Pope…
1) Set the new guy up well. If you know who it is, with humility take them out and let them know all you can to make their job better. Who are the players? Who are the knuckleheads?
2) Leave the place better than you found it. Don’t take off with the books, AV equipment or the Sistine chapel.
3) Don’t bad mouth the new guy. Don’t talk about how this place is going down the tubes without you. (Of course it is the Catholic Church so…)
For the Incoming Pope…
1) Don’t trash the outgoing guy. The person you are replacing may be going out under great circumstances. There may be a good reason why you are hired and they are going. You may very well be better than him (that will be obvious once time passes). There is no need to rub it in.
2) Don’t change everything right away. Unless your direct report tells you to. Chill for a bit. 3 months to a year do little to change. Bill Hybels says that like the size of a boat the size of change directly affects the time needed to change it.
3) Spend as much time as you can getting to know your leaders, volunteers and teams. When it is time you will know who fits with your leadership style.
So there you go you sharp dressed leaders of the Vatican. Im glad I could help.
Sean Rheaume 