CLARIFY EXPECTATIONS TO FOCUS ON SUCCESS!

We’ve talked before about the importance of clarifying your manager’s expectations when you are first onboarded, but it is important that you continue to monitor your daily tasks and meet with you manager to ensure that expectations are being met.

Why is it so important to clarify expectations? The short answer: to elevate your position and performance!  Performance reviews are very important, and are never removed from your HR record. Most of the time, the review examines whether or not you met the responsibilities and expectations that were set within your job description. You could work for a full year thinking that you are meeting your job expectations, or maybe even exceeding expectations, only to find out that a key section of your job was left lacking. Speaking from experience, I have been in the position where I wasn’t aware that a task was my responsibility, so I was not completing it on a regular basis. My overall review was dragged down due to the gaping hole in my performance. Had I met with my manager when I was first hired, or even during my first year on the job, I could have avoided that issue, and the embarrassment that went with it.

Medical coders are often asked to help with special projects, or sit in on meetings or trainings. I can admit that I have made mistakes in the past, thinking that I was going well above and beyond in my job, because I took advantage of all of those opportunities. However, my involvement in these activities ended up being to the detriment of my daily tasks. It is important to seize opportunities as they arise, but be sure that you are always thinking of what has been assigned to you, and how you can continue to meet and exceed the productivity and quality standards. If necessary, before you begin large periods of work for a special project or training, clarify with your manager that your time is static, and the time working on the new task will take time away from your daily duties. Your manager can help you to prioritize your work, and you have the added bonus of showing that you are looking at the overall picture of the team’s goals, and how your work contributes.

Make a plan to meet with your manager for a quick discussion of your work and their expectations. An amicable meeting every couple of months can avoid an uncomfortable conversation down the line!