Enablers

Role clarity is supported when individuals have experience in a collaboration. Providing a special orientation may be beneficial when recognizing that new staff may have limited experience in a collaboration in general or your collaboration in particular.

In addition, it is helpful to have experience in the other sector or have the opportunity to gain an understanding of who does what in the collaboration. Having knowledge of the other sector can provide valuable insight and clarity of roles in the other sector.

One physician shares his past work experiences:

“I have worked in both primary care and public health. So when issues come up in the other sector, I know where they are coming from… This experience really helps.”

Determine roles
Role clarity is supported when roles are identified clearly, documented early in the collaboration, and communicated effectively. This should be done on an ongoing basis to address any workforce changes such as staff turnover or if there is a need for orientation of new staff.

Document
It is helpful to constantly remind collaborative partners of your role during face-to-face and phone contacts such as team meetings. In addition, obtaining the same clarity of roles from other members of the collaboration is beneficial. This dual process is especially important if players change in the collaboration.

Communicate
Share your job descriptions with others in the collaboration when appropriate, such as at initiation of new partnerships or projects. This can also include sharing your job description with clients and patients with whom you are working.

Role clarity is supported when roles are identified clearly, documented early, and communicated well.