Do you employees know exactly what you expect of them? Do they each have a position description? If not, how can you be certain they are certain they know what you expect of them?

A good position description outlines the goals of a role, specific tasks and how the performance of the incumbent is measured in the role. I don’t like to make it too formal as I think that is not helpful in a small business. Indeed, to me, the best position description is one that is read when someone starts a job and not referred to thereafter because they employee and their magazine (often the owner) deliver on their commitments.

My suggestions for a position description are: use plain language, keep it under a page, write it with a view to the development of the employee and get feedback before you lock it in.

Your position description is also useful for people not in a role yet keen to develop their skills to get into a role.

Here is a position description I wrote for another newsagent recently who asked me for help with one they could use for a store manager:

POSITION DESCRIPTION: RETAIL STORE MANAGER

REPORTS TO: DIRECTORS

ENGAGEMENT WITHIN THE BUSINESS: AT ALL LEVELS IN A RETAIL STORE

This incumbent in this role is responsible for the successful and profitable operation of the nominated retail business.

The role includes the following tasks and functions:

• Selecting, managing, training and motivating employees.
• Dealing with employee management matters.
• Creating and adjusting the employee roster to best serve the needs of the business.
• Liaising with current and potential suppliers.
• Purchasing stock as agreed within the budget set by the directors.
• Ensuring proper processing of stock into the business.
• Accurate recording of all sales by all employees.
• Approving all accounts to be paid.
• Ensuring the shop is clean, safe, well presented and that products displayed in a creative and commercially successful way.
• Developing and executing marketing of the business.
• Engaging with newsXpress for maximum effect for the business.

This is an autonomous role without major management overhead. It is important that the incumbent manages their own time effectively and with due care and caution.

Given the level of responsibility of business assets, resources and finances, attention to business processes, details and honesty of all involved is vital.

The key measure of success in this role will be the financial success of the business.

Position descriptions provide structure for your business and those who work in it including you. Think of them as part of the foundation of the business.