So, what do you REALLY do?
My Significant Other has been working on an assignment for her Human Resources Management class. She’s had to write job descriptions for several positions and then compose employment ads to fill those positions. And it got me to thinking….does your job description REALLY explain what you do?
Take Randy Raley, for instance. Randy is the Affiliate Relations Manager for the news networks of Learfield Communications. While I don’t know his exact job description, I imagine it runs something like this:
"Maintain personal contact with affiliate stations to facilitate communication and optimal delivery of network services. Serve as liaison between affiliates and network departments and attempt to extend and expand affiliate use of network services."
But does that describe what he DOES? Not even close. Yeah, he travels over umpteen states and visits affiliate stations in markets large, medium, small and infinitesimal. He brings the latest good words from the network and asks if there are any problems. But he does so much more. He brings ideas. Whether it’s the gospel of podcasting from the High Priest of RSS Steve Mays, or just the programming or promotion idea that a similar station in another state is having success with, Randy is more than just an Affiliate Relations Manager for a radio network. He’s his OWN network, bringing his years of experience to stations across the Midwest in an attempt to keep this thing we call radio viable and profitable.
So how about the lowly, small-market announcer/DJ/air personality? Does a job description really describe what they do?
Where does that job description include being the voice in the night so a little old lady knows she’s not alone in the world? Where does it mention letting the contractor know if he needs to pour concrete this morning because it’s gonna rain this afternoon? How do you quantify letting working parents know that the school is letting out early today and they need to make arrangements for their kids? How do you train to help a child find their lost pet?
Are you more than your job description? And if not…..why not?
Take Randy Raley, for instance. Randy is the Affiliate Relations Manager for the news networks of Learfield Communications. While I don’t know his exact job description, I imagine it runs something like this:
"Maintain personal contact with affiliate stations to facilitate communication and optimal delivery of network services. Serve as liaison between affiliates and network departments and attempt to extend and expand affiliate use of network services."
But does that describe what he DOES? Not even close. Yeah, he travels over umpteen states and visits affiliate stations in markets large, medium, small and infinitesimal. He brings the latest good words from the network and asks if there are any problems. But he does so much more. He brings ideas. Whether it’s the gospel of podcasting from the High Priest of RSS Steve Mays, or just the programming or promotion idea that a similar station in another state is having success with, Randy is more than just an Affiliate Relations Manager for a radio network. He’s his OWN network, bringing his years of experience to stations across the Midwest in an attempt to keep this thing we call radio viable and profitable.
So how about the lowly, small-market announcer/DJ/air personality? Does a job description really describe what they do?
"Deliver station programming in such a way as to optimize listeners’ experience. Play all scheduled commercials and network programs. Monitor weather and news wires and relay necessary information. Monitor transmitters and other equipment to ensure that station is operating under legal guidelines of the FCC. Blah blah blah blah blah…"
Where does that job description include being the voice in the night so a little old lady knows she’s not alone in the world? Where does it mention letting the contractor know if he needs to pour concrete this morning because it’s gonna rain this afternoon? How do you quantify letting working parents know that the school is letting out early today and they need to make arrangements for their kids? How do you train to help a child find their lost pet?
Are you more than your job description? And if not…..why not?
posted by Just Some Guy on the Radio at 7:18 AM
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