From: Bob Knudson (rgknudson@HOME.COM)
Date: Thu May 25 2000 - 12:16:10 CDT
As a commissioner, I would advise the chartered organization to use the
Selecting Quality Leaders process to identify and recruit your replacement.
It is really their decision as to who fills the committee chair position. I
would suggest that the Executive Officer or COR form a selection committee
of roughly three people who 1) know the leadership qualities needed for the
position, and 2) know people who might match those qualities.
Asking a large group of people for someone to volunteer for a key leadership
position rarely works well. The real danger of this approach is that
"willingness" does not always equate to "competence." There are also many
talented people who do not think that they are qualified or available for
the position. In fact, using the Selecting Quality Leaders approach, they
might end up asking someone with an existing leadership position to take on
a new position (and all the while, they're concerned that they don't want to
let you down by giving up their original commitment).
My perception of your advanced notice for leaving the position (and doing a
transition) is that it is very generous. I would wager that the average new
leader does not get more than a week or two transition, due to sudden
departures of the incumbents. The extended timeframe is probably hindering
some people from coming forward -- most people are reluctant to make
commitments that far in advance.
It's clear that you care for the health of the unit and are a valuable
volunteer. But its also your decision to determine when its time to move on
to another volunteer role. I think that a month or two notice to the
chartered organization is more than fair and gives them enough time to run
through the Selecting Quality Leaders process. If you stay with the troop, a
transition time really won't be necessary. You will always be there to
answer questions.
Good Luck!
--
Bob Knudson, District Commissioner
Gateway District, Denver Area Council BSA
Our Vision: "A Cohesive Community Living the Ideals of Scouting"
