“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
By Nancy Huddleston
“Other Duties As Assigned” is one of my favorite job expressions. Basically, it’s something that is not in your job description, but it’s expected.
I’ve experienced many “other duties” throughout my career in communications but more so when I worked at an association management company.
My main job was the editor of the Precision Manufacturing Journal, the magazine of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association. I did everything I needed to get the job done; however, I always had trouble getting manufacturers to call me back for stories. In all honesty, I sensed they had better things to do than talk to me.
When smaller parts of my job with two other associations were reduced, I was given a choice—cut back my paid hours or pick up some “other duties.” The manufacturing association needed help with membership calls and my boss urged me to “try it out.” If I didn’t like it, she’d find other work for me.
Well, I didn’t like it; but I kept at it. Instead of wearing the “bill collector” hat when I called, my boss suggested I ask how we could help them renew their memberships. Oddly enough, I started building relationships.
Soon, members started introducing themselves to me when I helped at events because we talked on the phone. Occasionally, when I was making a membership call, someone would suggest a story idea. Then one time, a long-time member ended a conversation by saying: “Call me anytime when you need help with an article for the Journal.”
“Other duties” turned out to be the part of my job that I was missing all along but did not realize until I became attentive to the Lord’s plans.
Pray
Lord, open my heart to opportunities that are not in my job description so that I can experience your generosity.
Reflect
When I’m asked to do something outside of my job description, how do I react?
Discuss
What “other duties as assigned” are keeping you tied down at work? How can you turn those into opportunities for growth?
Nancy Huddleston is the editor of The Flame and lives in Burnsville, MN, with her husband, Mike. She can be reached at nancy.huddleston58@gmail.com.