SEEING THE BIG PICTURE



To be able to take initative in your job you first need to see how you and your position relate to the larger scheme of things at work. In most jobs this role is not explicitly explained, so you need to investigate how you fit into your organization's overall operation.

Ask yourself:

Why was my job created? Most jobs are created to help with some pressing need of the organization. It could be better or faster service, could be to lower costs, could be to reduce the problems and issues, could be due to improved opportunities. If you can understand the initial needs for your position, you will be better able to consistently address those needs and go beyond them.

How does my job relateto others in the organization? Whom do you interact with everyday? Whom do you support, and who are the people who support you? how can you make your manager's job easier? Qestions like these help you to see the contribution you make in your position and how you can expand it.

What opportunities to contribute to the organization exist in my job? Every job provides unique opportunities for the employee who looks for them. Consider the problem in your department. What part do you ppla in the process? What areas of operations do you get to observe? Knowing how you contribute to your organization can give you the leverage to do even more to help.

How is my job linked to the organizations objectives? By defining your position in terms of the goals and objectives of the organization, you can increase your worth to it. How does your position impact the mission of the organzation? How does the customer benefit from the job you do? How does the organization make or save money based on your performance?

Once you see your role in the big picture, you are better able to take the initiative to do those things that can best help.

The excerpts are taken from Bob Nelson's book.