Call out: Addressing disconnect or conflicting thoughts
Call out: Addressing disconnect or conflicting thoughts
5 minutes
Have you ever felt frustrated because your new role is a lot different from what you expected it to be? Are you having second thoughts because you were promised something else, or the job description seemed different? Disconnects and conflicting thoughts like these can happen if you’re transitioning into a new role and there’s a huge difference between your expectations and the realities of the new role.
They often stem from unclear expectations, miscommunication, and previous experiences, leading to misunderstandings that can harm relationships and productivity. Addressing these problems early on is crucial for the success of your new role.
Where does being disconnected come from? All these issues and misunderstandings come from miscommunication. You may be having second thoughts about the position, especially if it turns out to be different from what was described during the interview. Or you might find that the role or the company culture doesn’t align with your expectations, leading to feelings of disappointment or uncertainty. Additionally, if you were promised certain benefits, responsibilities, or opportunities during the hiring process that have not materialised, it can exacerbate your concerns.
It doesn’t help that most job descriptions are not accurate or sometimes vague. You might not completely understand your responsibilities and expectations if what’s communicated with you is different from your actual responsibility. Being new,you may not be fully aware of the processes, tools, and expectations associated with your role.
Understanding how these misunderstandings came to be can help you take proactive steps to clarify your role.
Calling out a disconnect is important because it helps identify and address gaps or misunderstandings that can prevent you from doing your job or liking your job. You won’t be effective at or happy in your role if you don’t know exactly what you’re there for. Clearing misunderstandings ensures that everyone is on the same page! Most importantly, highlighting any concerns now prevents small problems from escalating into larger ones.
Early resolution helps you fully understand your duties and what is expected of you, ensuring that you can perform your role effectively. When you have a clear understanding of your role, you can focus on your tasks more efficiently and accurately, leading to better performance. When you know exactly what to do and how to do it, you can work more productively and achieve better results.
You also avoid wasting time and resources on tasks that are not aligned with your role. It ensures that your efforts are aligned with the team’s and organisation’s goals, contributing to overall success.
Knowing what is expected of you also helps build confidence in your role, which is very important as you gain experience and grow into your new responsibility. It also reduces the stress and anxiety associated with uncertainty and confusion. Remember, the longer these issues remain unaddressed, the more damage they can cause.
Above all, you need to be happy at what you do. Otherwise, you just won’t succeed. If you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with your role, it will be challenging to maintain motivation and enthusiasm, ultimately impacting your performance and overall job satisfaction. Therefore, it’s essential to address any concerns early on and seek a resolution that allows you to thrive and enjoy your work.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions. For example, clearly articulate the discrepancies between what was promised and what you have experienced and seek clarification on how these issues can be resolved. Have open discussions with your supervisor and teammates to clarify your role, responsibilities, and expectations. Aim to understand the goals and priorities of your team and how your work fits into the bigger picture.
Open and honest communication can help bridge the gap between expectations and reality, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future with the organization.
Establish regular check-ins with your stakeholders and team members to discuss progress, challenges, and any disconnects. Encourage open dialogue and actively listen to the perspectives and concerns of others. Consistent communication helps build trust, ensures transparency, and keeps everyone informed about any changes or updates.
When your expectations about the role are not met, you need to decide early on. Prepare your questions beforehand. Are you not happy about your new role? Do you like the position but not the responsibility? Is the job different from how you expected it to be? Are you not sure whether you are a perfect fit for the job?
Be clear about the issues you want to address and the outcomes you hope to achieve. Find a private and comfortable setting for the conversation to ensure it can happen without interruptions and approach the conversation with respect and empathy. Keep the conversation focused on the specific issues at hand and collaborate to find solutions that address the concerns of all parties involved.
