What to think about before making a big ask from your direct reports
As a supervisor, you have some ability to dictate what your direct reports work on. The requests you make should typically fit their job description, though most descriptions have a catchall “other duties as assigned” attached, which is likely to cover you. That said, the jobs you give someone generally have a particular expectation of the skills required, the hours to be worked, and the stress…
When supervising others, you often have the authority to assign tasks. Typically, these tasks align with the individual's job description, but there is often flexibility due to the broad "other duties as assigned" clause. Before requesting something of a direct report, there are several factors to consider. First, ensure you are not overstepping their normal workload and expectations.
Your reports may comply with your requests due to the influence you have over their evaluations and potential promotions. Therefore, ask yourself if the task will genuinely benefit the employee or just save you money by employing a less-experienced person. A significant project can offer a new employee the opportunity to work with senior leaders or do high-visibility work, potentially leading to future career prospects.
Additionally, a challenging project may expand the employee's skillset, providing them with new experiences and potentially increasing their income through overtime. Before assigning heavy work, consider if the task would be more advantageous for another team member. By using significant tasks to develop your team, you increase the likelihood of receiving such requests in the future.
If the task involves extra travel or long hours, consider compensating the team member with extra time off or flexible work arrangements. When assigning significant responsibilities, think about how you can enhance the employee's career path. Provide additional mentorship or opportunities to interact with senior leaders, which may open doors to further opportunities.
By using significant tasks to benefit your team members, you foster a trusting environment. The team will discuss their experiences, helping you maintain a reputation as someone who supports their growth. Offering challenges alongside support creates a motivating atmosphere, enabling your team to excel even under difficult circumstances.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
