Role clarity in the workplace is essentially about making sure everyone knows what they’re responsible for and what they’re not. It means each team member understands their tasks, how their work fits into the bigger picture, who they report to, and what others expect from them.
In sales, role clarity can sometimes feel a little murky. When reps are juggling prospecting, follow-ups, internal meetings and more, they might lose sight of their main priorities. This can lead to miscommunication or errors, or even worse, damaged client relationships.
The solution, according to writer Genevieve Michaels, is to improve role clarity. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share her ideas on how you can make roles clearer at your promo company.
Use performance reviews to clarify roles and expectations. Just because leaders have a clear understanding of each role doesn’t mean employees understand things the same way. Michaels recommends using performance reviews to reinforce each role’s responsibilities.
Run a role expectations workshop. This is a chance to list out all roles in your organization (or just your team, to start small). Add the roles to an expectations matrix. Where one role intersects with another, Michaels says you would have staff members write the expectations they have of one another. This can help create a baseline for these roles.
Document every role in a shared tool. Michaels points out that accurate documentation can help answer any questions about a role and its responsibilities. It can also serve as a basis for updating roles as needed.
Encourage employees to share their perspective. A leader’s idea of a role might not match the reality of what happens in an employee’s day-to-day, Michaels says. Encourage employees to share their perspective on their role through feedback loops, so everyone has a clearer understanding of that role.
Communicate changes quickly and clearly. The promo industry moves fast, and roles are rarely static. If roles need to change, ensure everyone in the organization knows it as soon as possible, both for their own roles and those of frequent collaborators, Michaels says.
Role clarity isn’t just something nice to have — it’s essential for productivity. When people know what’s expected of them, they work more efficiently and collaborate more smoothly. Role clarity also builds confidence and helps people stay aligned as things change. Clarity allows everyone to do their best work and to feel good about it.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Writer Genevieve Michaels for the 15Five blog.
