As a leader, you might find yourself questioning which tasks you should be handling, which ones to delegate, and whether you’re inadvertently stepping on someone else’s toes.

This lack of role clarity often comes up in my coaching sessions as a cause of uncertainty and stress.

It’s surprisingly widespread (experienced by nearly 50% of employees according to this HR Analytics company) and cannot be ignored because it can have a significant impact on job satisfaction, work performance, staff retention and mental health*.

*In Australia, low role clarity is officially recognised by our National Work Safety Policy Body as a psychosocial hazard that can impact on the mental health and safety of employees.

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Getting to role clarity

1. Start with your Position Description: It’s really important to take a close look at your job description. Is it clear and up-to-date? Are there responsibilities listed that you’re not currently fulfilling? Have you taken on new ones that aren’t listed? Identifying any discrepancies between your job description and your actual duties is the first step towards achieving role clarity.

2. Regular reviews with your manager: If they’re not already happening, schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor to discuss your role, responsibilities, and performance. Use these conversations to align expectations and clarify any areas of uncertainty.

3. Keep a Work Diary: Keep a log of your daily activities for a week or two, focusing on both operational tasks and strategic initiatives. It sounds old school, but noting down what you do each day can be eye-opening. It can help you identify patterns in how you spend your time and highlight areas where you might be overextended.

4. Think strategically: Reflect on the tasks that make the most significant impact. Are you dedicating enough time to your most important work, or are you getting bogged down by less critical, day-to-day tasks?

5. Let go of old responsibilities: Still holding on to tasks from your last job? It might be time to pass them on to someone else.

Help your team get clear, too 

Role clarity isn’t just crucial for leaders; it’s equally important for your team. It’s your responsibility to ensure that each member of your team has a clear understanding of their role and how it contributes to the overall objectives of the organisation.

Consider the following questions:

• Are you clear about the exact responsibilities of each team member?
• Do your team members understand their individual roles and how they relate to others in the team?
• Are there overlaps or gaps in responsibilities that need to be addressed?
• How much can you realistically expect your team members to take on?

Talking openly about these things can make a huge difference in how your team works together. It impacts each individual’s job satisfaction, their mental wellbeing and ultimately, whether they stay or leave your organisation.

By taking the time to clarify your own role and ensuring that your team members have a clear understanding of their responsibilities, you’ll create a more productive, harmonious, and successful work environment. Remember, clarity breeds confidence, and confident teams are more likely to achieve exceptional results!

Take the first step towards increased role clarity in your workplace today – this is a small action that will have a big payoff.