In every job description, there are undocumented expectations. Not only do you need a plan, but you need to be aware of what’s expected of you consistently. What are some of the things you should be doing beyond your formal job description to make you indispensable to your boss and your organization?
Collaborate
You are expected to work with not only your team but other leaders and teams across the business. Alignment is key. Working together collaboratively to drive forward various initiatives on behalf, the organization is a must. You can’t be a lone wolf. If you do, soon you will meet resistance from others who are not on the same page as you. Even if it’s not listed on your official job description, your boss expects you to play well in the sandbox. Having a reputation for not working beyond your team will hamper your growth and your team.
Lead Projects & Initiatives
Managing is not about maintaining the status quo. It’s about challenging processes and finding new ways to be innovative while driving the business forward. You need to accomplish many things through others. Successful organizations need to keep evolving to stay ahead of the competition. Your boss expects you to lead projects and initiatives to improve performance and the business’s collective strength. A failure to lead will also create problems with engagement for you as no one wants to be part of a team going nowhere.
Invest In Your People
For people to follow your lead, they need to know that you care about their development. Coaching and providing feedback is only part of the puzzle. Your boss expects that you are challenging your team members. Identify high potentials and giving them assignments that stretch their capabilities to help foster growth. You must develop your bench strength and talent. If you are not focusing on investing in your people, you may struggle with evolving your career to the next level. This undocumented expectation doesn’t receive enough attention from some managers. Who is going to be the future for you? If you don’t have someone capable of filling your shoes or other roles throughout the business, you will hit a career plateau. No promotion for you!
Stay Current
In today’s world, information is flowing at an incredible rate, which can sometimes be challenging, but it’s necessary to stay current. Your boss expects you to be well informed about what’s happening within the market, your competition, and the industry. How you stay current is up to you. Ultimately, you need to have more than just an internal view of what’s going on. You should have a pulse on what’s going on externally outside of your organization, so you can better respond to changes or trends that might affect your business. The goal is always to be more proactive than reactive. Staying current certainly helps.
Drive Your Growth
Let’s face it; your boss is busy. They have a ton on their plate, and while they should care about you, they can’t hold your hand or always have your best interests in mind. You need to look after yourself, and that includes managing your career. You are expected to drive your growth. What do you need in terms of personal development? Figure it out and go after it. When you need help, ask for it. Make personal development a priority for yourself as no one is going to do it for you. In terms of undocumented expectations, this needs more attention. I expect all leaders that report to me to figure it out and involve me as they see fit. I am a resource, but not the answer to their problems. Your boss is the same. You are expected to evolve your management skills. Learn, grow, and adapt. Become the type of leader who can be called upon for all situations. Don’t wait or expect someone to do it for you.
