Ten Questions to Increase Role Clarity
Recently, it seems like I’ve been hearing a recurring story; frustrated leaders who are exasperated with the lack of clarity regarding their roles within the organization. They want clear boundaries, measurable performance metrics and to understand how their deliverables impact the overall mission. This lack of role clarity not only causes frustration and diminished performance, but is also a recipe for burnout and attrition of talented people. In today’s tight labor market, nobody wants to risk this.
To help mitigate these risks and increase performance, below are questions that leaders should be prepared to answer for their direct reports. These are particularly important questions when onboarding new people. Of course, the responsibility for gaining role clarity belongs to all of us! These are equally effective questions to ask your supervisor if you’re feeling a bit lost and frustrated.
What are my primary responsibilities and duties?
What are the goals and objectives that I am expected to achieve?
Who are my key stakeholders, and what are their expectations of me?
How does my role fit into the overall structure and goals of the organization?
What are the key performance indicators for my role, and how will my performance be measured?
Who do I report to, and who do I work closely with on a regular basis?
What are the key policies and procedures that I need to be aware of, and how do they impact my role?
What resources are available to me to help me perform my role effectively?
What are the boundaries and limitations of my role, and how do they relate to the roles of others in the organization?
What are the expectations for communication and collaboration with others in the organization, and how do I fulfill those expectations in my role?
By answering these questions, you and those you lead will gain a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and how they fit into the overall structure and goals of the organization. You will be a more effective leader, there will be greater job satisfaction for everyone, and your organization will be better off for it.