When was the last time you recall a task slipping through the cracks? Maybe a client signature wasn’t obtained, a form wasn’t sent out, or a client event didn’t come to fruition even though it was listed on the team’s event calendar. When there are gaps or overlaps in what each team member is primarily responsible for on a daily basis, items can be missed because others assume that another team member is handling that item.
Can each of your team members articulate what their primary responsibilities are, and how they are measured? Is this written down in a central team guide or procedure manual? If not, consider asking each team member to write down all of the things that they’re responsible for and schedule a team meeting to discuss each person’s list.
My guess is that you’ll be surprised that some team members believe their role is quite different from what you envisioned. This can be a productive discussion, and it can help you determine who should be primarily responsible for what based upon their natural abilities, learned abilities, and experiences.
When teams have formally documented roles and responsibilities for each team member, each individual has the opportunity to be successful each day because he/she understands what the accountability metrics are and can execute accordingly.
When thinking about team member roles and responsibilities, consider the following:
This framework can help you focus in on the primary responsibilities without gaps and overlaps in human power!
Next Step
Ask each team member to write down all of the things that they’re responsible for and schedule a team meeting to discuss each person’s list
Next Topic: Finders, Minders, and Grinders: 3 People You Need on Your Team >