BTW...What's My Job?

There's not many things more frustrating for any employee than to not know the expectations of the job or role function. What type of clarification is needed? No matter the type of job there are some important aspects to consider:

The specific tasks and how to perform them with excellence. Making sure you know how and where to aim your efforts.

The decision-making authority with the job. Every job has some type of empowerment granted and it's essential to be clear what it is.

The personal accountability of the employee. Having a desire to know how to judge your success as well as know how your superiors will hold you accountable.

The reporting requirements and how they are communicated. A desire to be taught how and what to report to your supervisor in a manner which will enhance your personal and the company values.

Clear Priorities

Because of the fast pace of change and transition our work environments will confront us regularly with new pressure points. Your company changing priorities or emphasis will give you opportunity to integrate into those shifting priorities. It is more important than ever at these times to be clear about your personal mission and how to deal with the changes according to your clear role descriptions and unique strengths.

These times don't call for a fire-fighting mentality but intentional pro-active decisions on the most meaningful tasks at hand. It is essential to carefully plan and a commit to doing the "most important" tasks that build the future along with discerning the tasks which are truly the most urgent.

Attitude Matters

Keeping a positive attitude is important no matter role you may have at work. However, the more people you lead, the more essential it is that you give close attention to your attitude.

In fact, the attitude of a manager or supervisor will be a major factor in determining what the climate is within your work group or team. Actually, your attitude is the only thing that is totally under your control.

Positive attitude is not a giddy, fake, or glib approach to work. You don't have to be Pollyanna, or ignore the reality of situations. Rather it is the intentional effort to be positive, upbeat and look for the best in people and situations. There are enough challenges in each day to aggravate, confuse and be the stimulus for stress. The gift you bring to others is emotional resilience.