What's a General Job Description?

Most managers are familiar with specific job descriptions, but what’s a general job description and why would a company need or want it?

General job descriptions apply to all employees in any organization.  You could add some of this into your specific jobs; in my view, though, this is best served as a stand-alone document. But what goes into it?

Specific job descriptions outline the duties and skills needed to perform a specific role within the company.  They help clarify accountabilities and expectations and should be used to set up key performance indicators.  A general job description, on the other hand, speaks to the culture within your organization.  What type of characteristics do you want your employees to exhibit?

General job descriptions should address, at minimum, the following expectations: ethics, teamwork, communication, and safety. 

For ethics, you want employees to adhere to professional standards and promote basic human rights and dignity.  In addition, confidentiality must be maintained.  For teamwork, you want your staff to work together for the company mission, establishing effective relations, maintaining a positive and pleasant outlook, and exhibiting the ability to work cooperatively. 

For communication, you want clarity to promote understanding and active listening with the expectation of keeping each other informed.  And you certainly want safety, regardless of industry, with practices that emphasize everything from proper body mechanics to the safe use of equipment/materials, to awareness of environmental hazards (from in or outside the organization); expectations should require staff to alert management to any safety concerns or needs.

There are certainly things that may be beneficial to add, including, among other possibilities, expectations around creativity, planning and organization, initiative and adaptability.  The important aspect is to consider your unique organization and what type of characteristics are most important.

General job descriptions should not seek to weed out diverse thoughts and ideas but should encourage staff to promote continual growth within the organization.  Bottom line, you should clarify the type of employee you want within your organization, beyond the specific skillsets needed.

Setting your expectations beyond specific skill sets supports your culture and helps employees know the requirements for success within the organization.

#positivty #characteristics #managementsolutions #hrconsulting

What are your expectations for employees?