Not all roles are created equal

Life is just not fair. There are some roles that get the best out of a person, and then there are roles that were designed to make your life feel at times like hell on earth.

The best roles are those with a great company and with a great boss. However, some roles are just not equal. In two of my roles I only stayed for one year, but started looking around after one month, as I realized my unfortunate mistake.

To cope with the demands of different roles, you almost need to live in the skin of Tara, changing constantly to deal with different situations.

Here are some interesting roles that you may be recruiting for:

1. The Explorer. A new role is always risky. Often the business is unsure of what the role is all about. You need to shape it to fit the business. They will either love it or hate it. Usually takes leave at the end of a role. Ideal for adventurers keen to explore new territory. Must be a problem solver par excellence.

2. The Actor. Role has been revamped as the previous person failed to make it. Look for murder weapon. Role may have been vacant for years until need have finally been reestablished. Now includes all the odd jobs nobody wants to do. Takes leave every few months to look for another role. Ideal for those that still believes in fairy tales.

3. The Rower. This is an on-going role. The seat was still warm and everyone expects you to simply pick up where the last person left off. Works best if you share the same name as the previous incumbent, saves on working to create an impression, as well as email – charles@. Needs to take three weeks leave every year to recharge the batteries. Ideal for those looking for a comfortable role and keeping things steady.

4. The Diplomat. Your manager had too much to do and all delegated/unwanted tasks have been packaged in this role. Great title but no responsibility. Will spend most of your time in endless meetings. Takes leave one day at a time so job insecurity remains undiscovered. Ideal for a go-between. Previous marketers please apply.

5. The Slave. Often carries title such as Administrator. Low risk role but heavy workload. Previous person knew everybody. Need ability to write down long list of things to do. After every meeting will have an action list. Takes all their sick leave. Ideal for those who likes extreme sports.

6. The Player. Great role and you are part of the team. Your role is well-defined and every one knows your role and how it fits in with the rest of the team. Last incumbent was promoted. Leave is planned months in advanced. Ideal for hard-working and ambitious person.

All roles need to be filled. Badly designed roles will often do little to enhance a candidate’s CV or help the recruiter with more roles.

It has been said that people join good companies and leave bad managers. Most of my roles have been great, largely because I got on well with my manager. A good manager can make a bad role tolerable and will promote you if do a good job. A bad manager will quickly make a good role feel like you are part of a losing team.

Finding a great role with a great company is like finding a great script with a great producer. It makes for a great story!