Know What's Expected of You
By Melinda Howard Erickson
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which
should not be done at all."
-Peter Drucker
Starting a new job or position? Starting your first job? Rejoining the workforce? Not getting ahead? Not enjoying your job?
Whichever you're doing, making sure that both you and your employer are communicating and have agreement regarding your role and responsibilities is the first step in becoming recognized, appreciated, respected, and valued.
If you don't have a job description, ask for one. If a job description isn't available, discuss your understanding of your job responsibilities with your supervisdor aor manager. Better yet, write your own job description in a simple note to your supervisor or manager and make a copy for your records. Asl for his or her comments and confirmation. These are just suggestions; you may find another approach that works better for you.
And learn company policies, such as the dress code, use of office forms and supplies, and principles of conduct. Do everything you can to learn about your company's unique culture. Unwritten policies are ofeten even more important than those that are written. Discover and understand everything you can about the company you work for.
If you or your coworkers have any questions about your responsibilities, it can make for a very inefficient, confusing, and unsatisfying situation- and it's a terrible way to work. Misunderstanding can be avoided if everyone knows the game plan in advance.
The more you work to learn what's expected of you, the more recognized, appreciated, respected, and valued you will be!
