Summary: Recently I had lunch with a friend. This wasn't just a friend, but also a past bishopric counselor of mine. At the time of our lunch, I had recently been released as bishop and he had recently been called as bishop in a different ward. These scenarios led to a discussion about leadership vacuums.<br> <br> What is a leadership vacuum? Metaphorically speaking, it's the space left behind by a previous leader. The responsibilities the leader performed, and the information only he or she had access to. In a Church calling, when an authoritative person is released, that vacuum of space collapses on itself and causes issues. This might be made manifest in the form of how the previous leader managed the week-to-week schedule, or how he or she emphasized specific programs in the Church. Even the change in personality from one leader to another can cause uncomfortable adjustments for a ward or quorum. Maybe the last guy was really likable, but the new guy is an old grump.<br> <br> There is no way around this leadership vacuum collapse. The only thing that can be done is to make sure the leadership vacuum is so small that the collapse has minor effect. The outgoing leader holds the most power in keeping the leadership vacuum small enough to have no long term effect on the new leader.<br> <br> Transitions of leadership happen all the time in both in the secular world, and especially in the LDS religious world. Consider the change in the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. When apostles die is there a collapse? No. Thankfully the quorum is supported by 11 other men holding the same authority. The authority of those surviving provides support from the collapse. What about when the president of the Church dies, is there a collapse? Definitely to some extent, but again, the structure of those callings creates an expected result that minimizes the adjustment that members of the Church have to make with the new prophet.<br> <br> What about when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven? Did the leadership vacuum collapse? There was an apostasy in the coming years, but at the time, thankfully there was no collapse, and the Apostles carried on the work. At the time of Christ's arrest, and when Peter denied knowing the Savior (John 18), the leadership vacuum appears large and a leadership collapse seemed inevitable. Thankfully, after the Saviors resurrection, He spoke with Peter directly, reminding him of his role as the "Rock," or leader of the Church. This story, made even more memorable by <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Hollands 2012 October #ldsconf Address</a>, shrunk whatever remained of the leadership vacuum left by the Savior. Peter proved this as he later preached and produced miracles measurable to the Savior's.<br> <br> Now consider a typical transition for a Relief Society president or elders quorum president. How often are auxiliary leaders re-learning what the previous leader already learned? Of course, some knowledge and experience can only be gained through a personal experience, but most leadership vacuums left behind could be much minor with a thoughtful approach to one's responsibilities and effective delegation.<br> <br> As my bishop friend and I discussed the idea of a leadership vacuum and how to minimize it, a few ideas came to mind. I'd like to share them with you to get you thinking as well. Better ideas may come from you, the reader, as you share your thoughts below. I'd love to add your ideas to this list so other leaders can minimize their leadership vacuum.<br> 1. Delegate More Often<br> Many Relief Society presidents, bishops, and auxiliary presidents think that because they are the big cheese, the main man, or the key holder, they have to do everything. There are very few things the leader can only do themselves. The more they delegate the more they shrink the leadership vacuum. More often than not,
