When I was on BN Staff as a CPT, we went through a transition for the battalion commander.  Well in advance of the change of command, the incoming commander was provided with a plethora of information on the BN including long range calendar, capabilities brief, multiple briefings to outline major issues we were facing and trying to resolve, and MTOE.  The week before the change of command, each staff section briefed her on their shop; basically an expanded version of what they would brief in a command and staff in addition to how their shop operates and any issues they are facing.  Immediately following the change of command, each company commander provided a quick overview of the company in terms of personnel, readiness, equipment readiness, training plan, and any major issues that required the BC’s attention.  In hindsight, it was a little odd to have the staff briefing the incoming commander prior to the change of command, but it worked fine.  I think the more information you can give an incoming leader ahead of time, the better.  It gives them time to digest it before assuming major responsibility in your organization and sets them up better to hit the ground running.  We don’t always do this well in the Army, but it pays dividends to have a leader show up with background knowledge.