We Need More Line 10
Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by Frank RocheBack in the day, there used to be job descriptions that included Line 10, which usually read “And any other duties as required or assigned.” Basically, it meant that the first nine elements of the job description were null and void if your manager needed you to do something. But it also meant something else.
To me, Line 10 is what we do at home when we see something laying on our kitchen floor: we pick it up. Line 10 is what encourages us to put gas in our spouse’s car even though it’s only half empty. Line 10 is picking up after yourself, asking what else you can do, and knowing that it takes group cooperation to get things done.
Line 10 is about noticing. It’s about being aware. Just as we need more cowbell, we need more Line 10.
I Coulda Used a Little More Cowbell
HR Wench
May 20th, 2008
Agreed! One of my least favorite phrases is “that’s not my job” or “that’s not in my job description”. GET OVER YOURSELF PEOPLE!
Frank Roche
May 20th, 2008
HR Wench, you said it much better: GET OVER YOURSELF PEOPLE! I love that. And it’s so true. Pay attention and be observant. How about that as a start?
Ann Bares
May 20th, 2008
Absolutely. And the lack of a solid (and emphasized) Line 10, from a compensation standpoint, leads to employees who think they should have their job re-evaluated and upgraded every single time they are asked to tack on an additional task or project. Everybody’s job is a bit fluid these days – deal with it people!
Frank Roche
May 21st, 2008
Ann, that’s a really great point. It reminds me of my teenage sons, who every once in a while say “How much are you gonna pay me?” when asked to do a one-off task. My reply is always the same: How do you like the house you’re living in? The cars? The video games? The food?
That’s what base pay covers. It’s about Line 10, whether at my house or at a company. There are things you do without asking for extra because it’s the right thing to do.
rick
May 21st, 2008
Line 10 seems to be hard for younger workers (20s to early 30s) to accept unless they see the task to be done as furthering their careers. Almost all else is to be excluded.
I have spent much mentoring time eplaining two things. First, this company needs to be successfulin order to provide opportunities. Therefore we all must do whatever it takes for that to happen.
Second, as a person wanting to grow we have an obligation to make sure that happens but that will not be 100 percent of the work experience. Part will be what I call the give back. What will each of us do to help the next generation. The giver back starts earlier in one,s career than most younger workers realize.
HR Wench
May 21st, 2008
Rick, I will be 31 in July.
Frank Roche
May 21st, 2008
HR Wench…lol. You’re mature beyond your years. Hey, I was 31 once.