Job Description vs. Entrepreneurial Skills

Filed in archive Human Resources on February 5, 2007

In our dynamic, connected world, providing employees with a job description simply puts them in a box. A job description allows them to focus clearly on what their job is. Unfortunately, it also allows them to say 'not my job'. Flexibility, versatility and accountability are what business owners look for most in an employee. I used to be a fan of job descriptions and encouraged my clients to create them. However, I have had a change of heart.

Ever changing business conditions require individuals that are focused on:

• Teamwork: working together to get done what needs to get done, period.


• Entrepreneurial Drive: people with strong entrepreneurial skills do not need a job description to tell them what to do or not to do. They simply do it.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: in a world that is under the spell of technology and innovation the ability to express oneself and gain the confidence of others has never been so needed.

The business world is shifting from jobs to entrepreneurial teams. Teams that don't rely on form, structure, job descriptions or titles but the desire to work together and 'Just Do It'.

Select the right people and put them in the right 'seat'. If it ends up that you have the right person in the wrong seat, remove them immediately. Find something that better fits their style, skills and interests.