NEW YORK (AP) — Upon starting a new role as a coach for first-generation college students, Nikelle Inman eagerly anticipated engaging in one-on-one discussions to help students overcome challenges and access resources for success. However, Inman and her colleagues at a North Carolina community college found themselves immersed in paperwork for a year, primarily focused on processing applications from aspiring undergraduates. This administrative burden prevented them from meeting with students as intended.
Feeling undervalued and disconnected from the job due to the unexpected workload shift, Inman, 34, shared her experience, highlighting the importance of aligning job expectations with reality.
In a recent Gallup analysis, it was revealed that an increasing number of U.S. workers feel detached from their organization’s mission and struggle to understand their job requirements in the evolving post-pandemic work landscape. Only a fraction of employees surveyed strongly agreed that they knew what was expected of them at work, marking a decline from pre-pandemic levels.
The survey indicated that new employees, younger workers, individuals in white-collar sectors such as technology, insurance, and finance, and those in hybrid work arrangements were particularly likely to report unclear job expectations. This trend can be attributed to the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19 and subsequent changes in work dynamics.
To address ambiguity in job roles and responsibilities, consider these strategies:
– Clarify Expectations Early: Define and communicate the scope, deadlines, and performance metrics of a new role or project upfront to ensure alignment between all parties involved. Documenting these details in a shared format can prevent future misunderstandings.
For example, when faced with an unrealistic demand to produce 85 TikTok videos in three hours, communications agency owner Amber Krasinski declined the project. She emphasizes the importance of asking clarifying questions and providing regular updates to clients to maintain clear communication and manage expectations effectively.
That inner voice that seeks approval and reassurance, saying, ‘You have the ability to solve this, you can handle it.’ Balancing the desire to meet expectations without sacrificing your own success is crucial.
Seeking feedback regularly is essential. While long meetings may be unappealing, more frequent check-ins with supervisors can help employees ensure they are managing their time effectively and understand their tasks. Organizations can foster connections among employees and offer more feedback opportunities to enhance clarity on work expectations. Brian Smith, founder of IA Business Advisors, holds weekly gratitude sessions where a coach provides guidance on time management and customer interactions for the first 20 minutes. Addressing specific challenges and strategies helps employees grasp their roles, and at the end, participants express gratitude.
Initiating conversations about feedback is important. Employees shouldn’t wait for supervisors to clarify expectations. Seeking quick check-ins can aid in prioritizing goals and deadlines. Dale Whelehan, founder of 4 Day World, emphasizes the significance of managing upwards to simplify one’s work life. In hierarchical settings, where questioning authority may be frowned upon, broaching the subject delicately is crucial.
Trusting your instincts is key in today’s ever-changing workplaces. Amidst shifting responsibilities and distractions, taking a moment to reassess priorities can be beneficial. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Whether it involves improving the situation or considering a change, sticking to what feels right is essential.
Share your stories of overcoming challenges or making impactful changes in the workplace by emailing cbussewitz@ap.org. Stay updated on wellness, fitness, diet, and mental health through AP’s Be Well coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well.
