Being selected for a principalship can be a heady experience--true for any leadership position representing a significant promotion or advancement. The "passing of the torch" of leadership is a critical juncture at which school improvement can either benefit from new energy or lose momentum. While it is impossible to predict or prevent every misstep a new leader might make, certain common patterns do emerge, and district leaders can proactively minimize them with specific support to new principals and other new leaders before they assume their positions. (Contains 6 resources.)