Investing authority is a primary issue in the workplace. And yet confusion about who is in charge is quite common. Responsibility is what you are supposed to do and authority is the latitude to do it. For the supervisor, clarifying assigned responsibility and delegation of appropriate authority is the wise choice. For the supervisee, seeking clarity in definition of responsibility is essential. So do not leave it to chance. Ask for an appointment with your supervisor. Tell them you want to do a better job. Ask for clarity about your responsibility. Ask for specifics and not generalities without placing them on the defensive. Take notes.

If you do not understand then ask for clarification. If you do not have a job description or if the one you have is meaningless, write out your duties as you see them. Share them first with a trusted coworker. Then take them to your meeting with your boss.

After the meeting do a follow-up memo.