Two: Role Ambiguity

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When you are not sure what you are supposed to do, or how you are supposed to do it, you experience the stress of Role Ambiguity. When you start a new job there is always ambiguity. If every day you feel like you are starting a new job, that is a problem. As with Role Conflict, this is not an area you can ignore. You will compound the problem if you assume a passive wait-and-see approach. But one warning. There will always be a little ambiguity around the edges that you must tolerate. Do not whine about it. Tell your bosses you can do a better job for them if you can clarify expectancies. Here are some things to try:

• Go over your job description item by item with your bosses. Job descriptions, as written, are often meaningless. Make it meaningful by talking it through and reviewing it regularly with your boss.
• Ask questions about expectations. Don't be shy about asking what is meant by the terms they use.
• Create a performance dialogue with your boss. Don't play guess-what-is-in-my-mind. Regularly tell your bosses what you are going to be doing and then inform them when you do it. That way you invite feedback and guidance.