I am sure each of have heard this statement during your career. You may have even been the one making it, or at least thinking it! Let’s be honest, we all have heard, said, or thought this exact statement. So what does it really mean for us, as managers?
The statement, “that is not my job,” reflects a lack of understanding and responsibility on behalf of the person making it! The way to prevent this ambiguity in the workplace is to establish and implement clear and detailed job descriptions.
To be effective, job descriptions must provide a job title for each role along with clear guidance on general and specific responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications such as education and experience, and how this role fits within the company. It is important to note that job descriptions must be regularly evaluated to accurately reflect the role. The reason for this is to This will help managers to proved accurate feedback during the company’s annual performance period.
Job descriptions benefit both the employee and the company. For the employee, a job description is a roadmap outlining for their path to success. All employees want to know what is expected from them and what they will get in return for a job done well. For the company, job descriptions help to defend against possible litigation and help to eliminate safety incidents.
