Return to District 17's Home Page.
Welcome all FSO-CSs to DSO-CS page. You have accepted a position that is critical to the operation of your units and the Auxiliary as a whole. Welcome aboard!
My name is Rick Rogers and I come from a Commercial Fishing and Mechanic back ground, so when I took on the D17 DSO-CS job it was to say the least a little out of my field! But it has been fun and challenging to get these pages to look the way I want them to. Hopefully you to will find this the same, a rewarding project and a learning experience. And remember if there is anything that I can help you with just let me know!
We all come to CS with a wide variety of personal and Auxiliary expertise. There are a number of "pathways to success" that can make you successful while minimizing unnecessary effort and frustration. We encourage you to explore a mix of these pathways and chart a course to success.
Read Up!
The first step is to read the manuals and documents that pertain to the CS office.
Get Mentored
Hopefully the outgoing officer can help you get acclimated to your new role. The outgoing officer is most likely to be familiar with the particular challenges in your unit. A few hints:
- Have a handover meeting to get the existing records and to discuss the processes and procedures used within your Flotilla, Division, and District.
- Review your job description with the outgoing officer.
- Think about your processes ahead of time. What will you do? When will you do it? How will you report back to your unit leadership? Talk to the outgoing officer to see if your plans make sense.
- Solicit ongoing mentoring from the outgoing officer for the first few months.
A good working relationship with the DSO is critical, as District 17 has no Division SO we need to "fill the gap". Some Flotillas may never have had a chance to meet the DSO-CS. Reach out and get to know each other. Find out how they do their job and what "local knowledge" they can impart.
Talk to your Flotilla Leadership
Find out what kind of reporting/input your FC and VFC expect. You as a CS officers must determine how you will get approval for website material. Attend staff meetings and produce requested reports to keep the lines of communication open.
Talk to your fellow CS officers
Are you having a problem? Does something just not make sense? You are probably not alone. Talk to your fellow CS officers from other flotillas. Talk to your District Staff Officer, use the form at the bottom of the page. Talk to your predecessors in the position.
Call for help when you need it
A great resource which also answers most CS related questions is the CS Guide. Remember that in a properly functioning unit we are all communicating with each other. If you have problems ask for help -- don't let problems pile up!