Pictures of sticks with road lines painted around them (because it’s not the line painter’s job to move the stick, of course), and stories about ‘everybody, somebody, anybody, and nobody’ populate the internet as a tongue in cheek poke at the syndrome and we all have a bit of a giggle about it.

But is it really funny?

Well, the memes often are, but the issue behind them really isn’t.

The it’s-not-my-job syndrome is indicative of a broader problem in the workplace and as much fun as it is to laugh at road lines painted through horse manure, the fact remains that this syndrome is symptomatic of a disengagement with the workplace, a lack of pride in one’s work and ultimately, a ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude which is often driven by a general sense of misery.

It’s-not-my-job syndrome is often found lingering in roles with stringent position descriptions that clearly outline what the company expects of their employee, and by omission, it follows that it clearly outlines what is not expected of them. Companies focused on tasks rather than purpose, provide a breeding ground for the it’s-not-my-job syndrome to permeate. Where there is no care factor for employees, you will usually find a lack of care factor in your employees.

This issue is not just found in road line painters as the memes would have us believe. Executive level personnel can also exhibit the same syndrome, although it is usually presented in a slightly different way; perhaps an assignment is considered to be ‘beneath’ them or lacks sufficient opportunity for credit or recognition and they ignore the responsibility or delegate it.  

Whatever the level, this syndrome is destructive, anti-social and ultimately, anti-business.

By refusing to step up and show some initiative, you are potentially putting projects and in some cases (where ‘it’s-not-my-job’ involves safety issues), people at risk. When you refuse to do something that is not usually under your umbrella, you are forcing the task onto someone else in the business who would be in the same position as you – and you are giving them the opportunity to shine instead. If you dig your heels in over not doing something because it’s not in your job description, you are failing to show adaptability to changing organisational needs. When you stick to your assigned tasks and refuse to step up when the need arises, you are failing to recognise business purpose and your role within the broader spectrum of the organisation’s strategic direction.

Only working within the scope of your role means you are failing to show leadership, responsibility and accountability, and these are three elements that are key to your own professional and career development. It is difficult to sell a person for their next role when their history involves doing the bare minimum to scrape by without being fired. Hirers look for people who understand and respond to the business purpose and values, not just the tasks. Every decision that you make in your current role impacts the opportunities for your next position.

Perhaps it’s not specifically your job to move the stick off the road, but it impacts your ability to do your job well, so move the stick.

If you are proactive in your career choices, you will find yourself more engaged and ultimately happier in your work.

Zoë Wundenberg, www.impressability.com.au.