A leadership transition poses dangers and challenges for both leaders and followers. While each party naturally focuses on the organization's success, time needs to be spent on how the new relationships will develop and mature into effective working relationships. This article discusses the following four areas of interaction between leaders and followers that are critical for success during a transition: (1) Partnering in decision making; (2) Focusing on the successful implementation of new directions; (3) Challenging the new leader as appropriate; and (4) Understanding and providing the unique support that the new leader requires. By focusing on the four elements of interaction, leaders and followers alike can avoid some of the difficulties of transition times and make the period productive and smooth for the entire organization. (Contains 4 endnotes.)