Confused roles

A blog with hidden messages about Systems Integration

Last time I mentioned that I have a role I am keen to hang on to; I see myself as an IT expert, but the reality is that technology has moved on since I worked in IT. Due to this belief, I am open to tackling other people’s IT issues, even if I am not best placed to do so. One day I will have to accept that I must leave this role behind. It’s my example of a poorly occupied role; I am not the right person (anymore) for IT issues.

When I left IT, many years ago, I moved to a role in Human Resources in the same company. That was tricky, as colleagues who had worked with me before would still knock on my door for advice on IT matters. I was their personal IT Help Desk for a while – Do you see why I still believe I am good at IT! Luckily my job became very busy with a major outsourcing project and I had to travel every week, so I was out of sight and out of mind. This ended the role confusion for my old colleagues.

All that business travel meant I had to be super organised, and I started to excel at this. This developed my already keen sense of time keeping, and resulted in me taking the role of timekeeper wherever I am. Those close to me know I get slightly annoyed when they are late, so they will typically do their best to be on time. A win-win in my books.

How have you experienced role confusion and how did you fix it?