Creation of Position Profiles for Improved Professional Placement 

Our new talent management model aimed at placing people in the right position based on their skills and passions is a terrific model. But how does a Scouting professional today find out what positions are out there that match their passion and what skills are necessary to fill those roles? There is a lack of material available to field Executives explaining the various roles available in the Scouting profession.

For example, many Executives come out of the field after 5 years serving as a DE/ Sr. DE, all set to find a District Director or Field Director position because that is “the route to the top” and they don’t know about other positions available within local Councils. We end up placing potentially strong program, finance, and support people in field management positions they may not be cut out for or truly interested in. They end up unfulfilled, disappointed, or facing professional and personal failure because they are misplaced. Consequently, we lose great program, finance, and support people and cannot benefit from their talents in these areas. Great field managers are also misplaced, but I think the point is made.

I suggest that a resource be created outlining the roles within our profession, a profile of strengths needed to succeed in those roles, and the steps, trainings, or development stages necessary to obtain each role. This should be intentionally shared with Executives at their 3 year evaluation and then readily available beyond that point. This piece could be anything from an online pamphlet, PowerPoint, or video to a training module within the PD-L3 Course. Additional training should be offered to managers designed to give them the resources to help their people navigate through the necessary stages and trainings to reach their career goals.

With increased transparency and a better understanding of what is available to them, young motivated and successful professionals can easily identify a role suited to their passion and strengths, go after those positions, and find greater success and fulfillment. Ultimately this practice of proper placement will allow us to make a greater impact on the youth we serve.