I recently heard Andy Stanley talk about the one-sentence job description. The concept has been bouncing around inside my head all weekend long, and I have to say I am quite taken by the concept. In a nutshell, the one sentence job description explains the essential purpose that you fill in your organization. Here are a few examples that Andy shared during his session:
To inspire our staff and congregations to be fully engaged in our mission and strategy. Andy’s job description
To create, implement and monitor systems that ensure our organization remains fiscally secure. CFO of NorthPoint’s job description
To keep Andy’s path clear of nonessential tasks and decisions so that Andy can do what only Andy can do. Andy’s Admin’s job description
Imagine having a job description like that.
Imagine the clarity and freedom that comes from knowing your purpose in the organization well enough to define it in one sentence.
So, why doesn’t everyone have a one sentence job description? Because it is hard work. Knowing your purpose well enough to refine it into one sentence requires a significant amount of time and effort… but it is worth it!
As you get started defining your one sentence job description, here are a few things to ask yourself:
- What is the one thing in your organization that only you can do?
- What is it that other people in your organization seek your help in?
- What is it that you are called to do?
- What are you passionate about?
