Do you have any suggestions for writing effective job descriptions?

Meryl says,

Yep. I describe this in my performance review book and my management phrases book.

Use the three R’s – really reflect reality. Make sure the descriptions are concrete. Choose words that paint a picture of what it looks like when performed 100%. Not, answers phone – more – answers phone by the third ring with proper company greeting.

Here are some questions to ask in building the description:

• What is the main purpose of the job?
• What are the primary responsibilities of the job?
• What are the main elements of the job?
• What parts of the job are essential, and there would be serious consequences if they were not done?
• What parts of the job are non-essential?
• What do others depend on this position for?

Ask people who depend on that person. For example:

• What do you depend on the person in this position for?
• What do you see as essential for this position?
• What qualities and behaviors do you appreciate most from the person in this position?
• What job standards would you like to see the person in this position have?

Pull it all together, and ask yourself the 3 R question. Does this really reflect reality? If you follow the process, it should.

I used this process to decide whether I wanted to sponsor The UltiMate(tm) Relationship Seminar in Colorado Springs. The answer was a decisive yes.