Your Predecessor: Overview

I've given many posts for how to make it easier for your successor to follow you, but what about the person(s) you are following?

• Give them the benefit of the doubt. They probably were faithful, they probably were well intentioned, they probably cared for the kids, they probably had a good and workable program. That they didn't do things just like you goes without saying – so don't say it.
• In most cases, publicly honor them and their program.
• Criticizing them or their program only hurts you. Offer alternatives instead.
• Recognize that there will be people that dislike you simply because you are not them. You may need to say out loud – “It's not my fault. I had nothing to do with his/her leaving or my being selected to succeed them.” Make it a fairness issue.
• Recognize the natural conservatism of adults, including High School Youth. Focus your energy in winning over the Middle Schoolers and changing the program at that level.
• Do not let “But [name] did it this way” get to you. No yelling out: “But [name] is gone, this is my group now.” Just respond with a non-committal “ok, duly noted” or “that's interesting” or “but I'm doing it this way” and then go somewhere where you can punch a wall.