Most of us are probably accustomed to thinking about our work in terms of “job titles” and “job descriptions.” If someone asks me what I do, I tell them I’m a controller. If I were to create a description of my job I might start with the purpose, then list duties, and round it off with skills and qualifications.
Another way to think about jobs and work is with the concept of “roles, responsibilities, and expectations (RR&E’s).”These are explained in The Science of Success by Charles Koch, Chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, Inc.
RR&E’s are intended to “define general areas of responsibility and accountability.” Koch explains,“A person is accountable if he or she will bear the consequences (good or bad) of a decision. Both the person making the decision and the person delegating are held accountable” (p. 129).
Supervisors are expected to ensure that RR&Es maximize the employees’ contributions to the organization. Importantly, employees must take ownership to “ensure his or her RR&Es are current, accurate, and effective” (p. 129). No matter what type of management style exists in your organization, it is wise to take ownership of your role and your broader career development and progress.
Koch defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations, as follows:
- “A role is a description of the position held and the functions performed by an individual” (p. 129).
- “Each role has an associated bundle of responsibilities. These responsibilities clearly define the products, services, assets or processes for which we are accountable” (p. 130).
- “Expectations are written statements specifying the results required of an employee if the business is to achieve its objectives” (p. 130).
A potential employer would expect to see your resume if you were applying for a job. Similarly, you should expect, at least in general terms, a written description of the potential roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the job you are thinking of pursuing. That way you can determine whether you have the appropriate skill sets and whether the role fits with your career plan and goals. New hires should work their their supervisors and take ownership of the job by documenting their specific RR&Es within the business.
Koch says, “Expectations should always be clear, specific, and whenever possible, measurable” (p. 130). They should challenge employees to take ownership, reach higher, and be creative.
Get it in writing. Just as agreements, goals, mission and vision statements, and policies should be documented in writing; an employer should come to a mutual understanding and document the roles, responsibilities, and expectations with each employee.
FAQs
Use action words and keep everything in the present tense. Explain every aspect of the job. Include details such as who the employee will work with, what skills they'll need and what programs or tools they'll use to avoid role conflict for employees.
What are examples of roles and responsibilities? ›
What are examples of roles and responsibilities? Sales Manager: Role—Oversee and manage the sales team. Responsibilities—Develop sales strategies, set sales targets, train and mentor sales representatives, and monitor the team's performance. Software Engineer: Role—Develop and maintain software applications.
What are expectations vs responsibilities? ›
Responsibilities are commitments you choose to make. Upholding them is a key to taking care of others. Expectations are pressures others impose on you. Rejecting them is often necessary to take care of yourself.
What is role and responsibility? ›
Generally, a role is a person's place, or seat, on a team. Responsibilities are the duties and tasks assigned to a role. The standard criteria for creating a job description look like this: Seat/Position Description: an overview of the seat's role within the organization and its function, tasks, and responsibilities.
How do you answer what are your roles and responsibilities? ›
How to answer "describe your current job responsibilities" in an interview
- Remember the responsibilities listed in your resume. ...
- Connect your responsibilities to the ones in the job posting. ...
- Use details when explaining your larger and important projects. ...
- Describe how you use your skills to benefit the company.
Role expectations include both actions and qualities: a teacher may be expected not only to deliver lectures, assign homework, and prepare examinations but also to be dedicated, concerned, honest, and responsible.
What are your roles and responsibilities in your company? ›
Employee Roles and Responsibilities:
They fulfill assigned tasks, meet management expectations, and contribute to goals and objectives. Employees' primary responsibilities include: Executing routine tasks. Collaborating with different team members.
How do you write your job responsibilities? ›
First, write down every responsibility you can think of for this role. Then cut the full list down to seven to ten key responsibilities, and add them to your job description in order of importance. For each responsibility write out why and how the tasks will be performed.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a CEO? ›
The CEO is responsible for making major corporate decisions, driving the direction the company takes, supervising other executives, and overseeing growth plans. They are accountable to the board of directors or stakeholders of the company and are often the public face of the organization.
How do I write my expectations? ›
Make your point clear and state it directly and quickly. Your main point should be made at the beginning of your writing and not at the end. Also, don't write extensive paragraphs to state your point or to explain your point if it can be done in one or two sentences.
Advancement: being able to progress in one's job or career, having the chance to advance in the company. Coworkers: having coworkers who are competent and congenial. Pay: being paid at least enough to meet one's needs, and being paid fairly in comparison to others.
What are some examples of expectations? ›
I saved the files in the expectation that they would be useful in the future. There is widespread expectation that the strike will be settled soon. The crowd waited in expectation of her arrival.
What are responsibilities in simple words? ›
Responsibility refers to an obligation to perform certain functions in order to achieve certain results.
What is the job description and responsibilities? ›
A job description is a written explanation that outlines the essential responsibilities and requirements for a vacant position. Job descriptions should be thorough, clear, and concise and include: A brief introduction to the company and its mission. An overview of the job responsibilities.
How do you write the duties and responsibilities of a job description? ›
Duties should be described as currently performed, and not in terms of future expectations. Think of your job as it is really done, not how it could be or should be done. Duty statements are easier to write if you start each one with an action verb such as 'reconciles', 'analyzes', 'negotiates', 'troubleshoots', etc.
How to write roles and responsibilities in a project? ›
Project Roles & Responsibilities
- Oversee high-level project progress.
- Provide input to and approval of the project charter.
- Provide and approve project budget and resources.
- Approve any project change requests.
- Champions the project to provide exposure and buy-in from senior management.
- Approve the project completion.
My goals for the company are that it have a work atmosphere in which I will contribute to the team, be recognized for my efforts, provide career security, and have the opportunity to advance within the company.
How do you present team roles and responsibilities? ›
- 1 Understand your team's strengths. ...
- 2 Determine what needs to get done. ...
- 3 Meet and discuss priorities on an ongoing basis. ...
- 4 Give people ownership over specific areas. ...
- 5 Ask employees about their long-term goals. ...
- 6 Align roles and responsibilities with their goals.
