Rethink Your Role: Your Job Description Isn't the Key to Success

The common belief that diligently following your job description guarantees career advancement is a misconception. Tessa White, a seasoned HR leader, stresses that success in work lies beyond the confines of a written job description.

• Job descriptions serve as initial guidelines, but they are not designed to be rigid blueprints for success.
• The real path to promotion lies in identifying and addressing gaps within your company and actively contributing to bridging those gaps.

Navigating the Gap: Uncovering Opportunities for Advancement

The concept of "the gap" refers to the space between a company's current state and its desired future. By identifying these gaps, employees can demonstrate their value by actively contributing to the company's growth.

Spotting Gaps in Your Organization

• Pay close attention to company communication, such as quarterly earnings reports and company-wide meetings. These often highlight areas of challenge and potential for improvement.
• Engage with colleagues in other departments. Seek their perspectives on their needs and expectations from your department. This can uncover opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Playing in the Gap: A Real-World Example

Tessa White shares a story of a sales team facing high turnover and low recruitment. She hired a candidate with experience in social media marketing, a seemingly unconventional choice for a sales recruiting role.

The Power of Creative Solutions

The hired individual recognized the gap in the recruitment process and took initiative to create a more engaging experience for potential candidates. He organized events with speakers, prizes, and music, attracting a large number of qualified individuals. This approach demonstrated an ability to think creatively and address the needs of the company, effectively addressing the gap.

The Benefits of Playing in the Gap

• It demonstrates initiative and a willingness to go beyond the expected.
• It showcases problem-solving skills and an ability to identify and address critical needs.
• It sets you apart from those who simply follow their job descriptions.

Beyond Your Job Description: A Path to Career Advancement

By actively seeking out and addressing gaps within your work, you can demonstrate your value to the company and position yourself for promotion. It's not about working harder or faster; it's about demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a commitment to achieving company goals.