Job tasks

DOE-HDBK-1076-94

These questions usually encourage the contributor or another team member to respond

by saying "If the worker doesn't know theory X, he or she can't

." This should

suggest an observable task statement. If it doesn't, the facilitator should permit the

members to discuss the task further, so long as they stay on topic. The facilitator should

also remind the team that each task statement should begin with the unwritten preface,

"The worker must be able to. . ." Frequent verbal repetition of the task being delineated

may be needed to help maintain the focus of the group discussion.

As the team begins to define the first duty area, it is important that the recorder

record and post the task statements as soon as possible, with a minimum of debate and

negative comment. It is easy to lose a team's commitment to the process at this point if

the members begin to perceive the TTJA procedure as unworkable.

Facilitators should distribute a list of action verbs to the team members. Members

may also review completed task lists to enhance their understanding of the process. An

effective facilitator must be an expert at writing clear and concise task statements in order

to guide the team. The facilitator must also know the criteria that characterize job tasks

and high-quality task statements. Criteria for job tasks and task statements are as

follows:

Job tasks

Have a definite beginning and ending point

Can be performed over a short period of time

Can be performed independent of other work

Consist of two or more steps

Can be observed and measured

Result in a product, service, or decision

Task statements

Reflect a meaningful unit of work

Contain an action verb and an object that receives the action