Managing self-imposed leadership transitions during unprecedented challenges: Here’s your new office! Don’t ever come here

Abstract

No one imagines starting a new leadership role, or any role, in the middle of a pandemic. In the summer of 2020, we found ourselves doing exactly that: moving to new states and starting new leadership roles during COVID-19. Starting new leadership roles can be challenging during regular times, but the pandemic added another layer of complexity. Along with worries about moving, housing, and other logistical hurdles, the main questions on our minds were related to leadership. In the spirit of Amanda Clay Power, Martin Garnar, and Dustin Fife’s ACRL articles on leadership and book, we opted to interview each other regarding our experiences.