Thanks for the great comments, tweets, and e-mails about
yesterday's post. It sounds like the idea of modular job descriptions for small arts organizations struck a chord among those who work in such environments, and/or design and develop HR strategy for them.
A few "bonus edition" ideas evolved from the initial idea of individual cards with discrete job functions on the front and metrics of high performance on the back. Among them:
- Staff retreats: Using time together as a staff to create these cards, defining the range of job functions required to deliver the mission in vital and sustainable ways.
- Reality checks: Asking staff members to place each function card with the person they think currently has primary responsibility for that function (with round two being who they think SHOULD have responsibility).
- Redesign: Gathering the function cards that NOBODY wants, and reframing them in a way that makes them palatable.
- Bridging: Considering those functions that seem to be perpetually discussed but never advanced, and drafting a new card to give to someone (for which, they get to give back one of their current cards).
- Cards on the table: Displaying everyone's current hand in a public way -- outside the door of their office or entry to their cubicle -- to remind everyone who's doing what, and how they might take part in ensuring success.
I think we may have a product here. Who's with me?