Things that might be missing from your job description

Things your laboratory manager expects from you, but may not tell you

• Write clear emails
• Find problems before they occur
• Report the recurring issues – even if they are small
• Expand your skill set over time (take training, read, ask questions)
• Don’t hold information that can help others thrive
• Keep the lab clean
• Encourage feedback from others
• Provide feedback to others
• Leverage the strengths of others around you
• Learn the management system
• Be ready for a meeting 2 minutes before it starts
• Understand and apply the changes to procedures
• Bring 3 solutions with every complaint
• Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses
• Offer to help before being asked
• Explore at least 3 options for everything
• Impart your knowledge to new employees and make them comfortable in the lab
• Bring forward any ideas about 'leaning' laboratory activities
• Give credit
• Write legibly, especially on lab records
• Leverage the strengths of others around you
• Engage with the laboratory community
• Treat customers better than they expect
• Highlight good work from your peers
• Manage your time wisely
• Keep preventive maintenance up to date
• Keep spare parts you know you will need on hand
• Learn from failures (method, equipment, etc.) and nonconformities
• If you McGyver something, make sure you go back and make the real fix
• Don't be afraid to stretch your abilities (Managers -- make sure you have your employee's backs if they do!)
• Be attentive at conferences, training courses, etc. Bring back new ideas to laboratory personnel
• Know your place in the organization. Knowing what others do will help you get the big picture
• Rumours stop at you
• Smile a lot

 Are we missing anything from this list? Write a comment below on what you would include in your 'unspoken' list.

Inspired by Seth's Blog. Adapted for the laboratory. 

Special thanks to the lab managers, instructors, & co-workers who contributed their suggestions for this list.