Work to Your Unique Abilities

I am convinced that I have the best clients a freelance writer and human resources professional could ever want. A good example is Datasplice, a software development firm headquartered in Fort Collins that creates mobile computing solutions for companies across the country. Scott Kunze is a visionary entrepreneur and savvy when it comes to running a business. He is big on helping his employees discover and work to, what he calls, their unique abilities. Mention this phrase and the people at Datasplice immediately know that you are referring to that sweet spot between what an employee likes to do and what they do well.
I recently began the process of updating job descriptions for the company. While all jobs have elements that are mundane or uninspiring, Kunze works hard to ensure that his employees are spending the bulk of their time doing work they love. Tasks or duties not high on the employee’s work preferences list may be shifted to someone else. From the information we gained, Kunze will be able to determine gaps in productivity, make informed decisions about upcoming hiring needs, plan for training, re-design positions as needed and maintain high levels of employee engagement.  Employees were involved in the process and they felt appreciated. This is not generally the case when it comes to updating job descriptions. It can be like pulling teeth.
When I share Kunze’s philosophy with fellow consultants or my HR pals, they stare in disbelief. It seems too good to be true. Kunze downplays his own unique abilities in leading people. “Don’t all employers get this?” Even though it makes good sense, I have been involved with enough companies to know that not all business owners or managers are this enlightened.
When people are in the right positions, they simply work with more zest. Productivity and job satisfaction cannot help but increase when people are busily engaged in doing work they love. Don’t we all put off duties that invoke our weaknesses or inspire sheer boredom? Tell me that I am not the only one who has avoided a particular task because it was not my favorite part of the job. The unspoken motto for workers who are not working joyfully could be something like, “Why do something today when you can procrastinate until tomorrow?” This hurts the bottom line.
Like the common cold, passive job dissatisfaction is widespread in the workplace. It is also just as contagious. I am still old school enough to be a huge fan of job descriptions. Thanks to Kunze, I discovered that updating job descriptions does not have to be drudgery. It can be an inspired process that helps employees realize their career dreams while making business goals come true.

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