In this week’s video blog our expert guide, Don Hadley, talks about the importance and critical pieces when working with Job Descriptions.

Most job descriptions use very broad language, are not specific and are difficult to measure.  When we work with organizations we ensure that the following pieces are a part of Job Descriptions:

1. List all of the activities or tasks that must be accomplished
2. Separate the List into 6 -9 Key Deliverables (Why do they get paid?) and Core Competencies
3. Make those Key Deliverable SMAART (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Agreed Upon, Reasonable, Timeframe)
4. Have employees evaluate themselves as well as having others evaluate them
5. Ask employees what 3 Actions they are willing to take to improve and to achieve these Key Deliverables

Why go through all of this just for Job Descriptions?

• Creates a feeling of belief in the work they are doing
• Creates buy-in for completing the work and overcoming obstacles
• Creates commitment
• Creates self-awareness

Some questions to keep in mind when reviewing or creating job descriptions:

• Do the job descriptions have clear, measureable Key Deliverables?

• Do the Key Deliverables balance strengths and weaknesses and provide opportunities for growth and development?

• More importantly will these Key Deliverables help the organization achieve its long term vision?

• Do the job descriptions use terminology that is understandable and agreed upon?

If your job descriptions need to be SMAARTly upgraded, give our expert guides a call at 800-786-4332 or email JSabatini@AppliedVisionWorks.com.  Your success is in plain sight; it just takes determination and action and only takes 30 minutes to get started!