How to Decrease Role Ambiguity and Boost Your Team’s Performance

Poor performance is not always the fault of an employee. When someone is not doing what they’re supposed to be doing or didn’t follow a process, oftentimes it’s because there’s a gap of understanding or due to role ambiguity — the lack of clarity and certainty on the roles and responsibilities that come with that individual’s job. This is usually the root cause of all operational problems within organizations.

Why Role Clarity Matters

Based on a study conducted by Effectory, nearly 50% of employees across all sectors experience a lack of role clarity in the workplace. Unclear roles affect employees’ efficiency and effectiveness at work. Aside from affecting job performance, employees with a deeper understanding of their responsibilities are more likely to stay with the company and more satisfied with their jobs than employees who experience role ambiguity.

In my work leading teams through process improvement, I’ve observed that 30% of operational problems are solved through clarification. When roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, there is less confusion, frustration and duplication of effort. As a result, employees are more productive. They also understand how they fit into the team and know the value of what they do, boosting their morale.