Tips for Writing Good Task Statements

1. Make a list of all the duties that you plan to assign to the position.
2. Group together duties that seem to logically go together.
3. Draft your task statement.

-use an action verb
-describe the object of the action in specific terms
-describe the nature and source of instructions
-describe the immediate result of performing the task
-when additional details are needed to explain how the task actions are accomplished, a series of "by" statements may follow the basic statement Example:

Answers questions/provides information to callers by referring to order forms in order to clarify and correct information concerning orders.

-locates specific order form in file
-evaluates callers' questions and provides relevant information
-contacts other departmental personnel for further information
-corrects order if mistakes have occurred
-sends additional products if necessary

Action Verbs

Click on the links in the table for a definition of the verb and an example.

Examples of Action Verbs
 

Advise:  To counsel or recommend action.  The advisee may not necessarily follow the recommendations.
    Example:  Advise on the preparation and use of instruction books.

Apprise:  To give notice, to inform or to advise.  Usually responsibility ceases with the giving of the information or advise.
    Example:  Apprise management of pertinent information on the __________.

Arrange:  To dispose in the manner intended or best suited for the purpose.
    Example:  Arrange for the delivery and storage of supplies.

Assist:  To lend aid or help.
    Example:  Assist and advise the Department Manager in the selection of personnel for the Department.

Audit:  To examine and verify.
    Example:  Audit books and records to determine or verify financial conditions.

Collect:  To gather or assemble into one body or place.  Emphasizes the implication of choice or selection, resulting in a more ordered or unified assemblage.
    Example:  Collect information necessary for preparation of monthly progress reports.

Compile:  To compose out of material from other documents or records.
    Example:  Compile specifications and quotations into a monthly report.

Conduct:  To carry on (or through, out, into effect).  Emphasizes the idea of immediate supervision or personal leadership.
    Example:  Conduct technical educational programs for department.

Confer:  To consult or compare views.
    Example:  Confer with all department heads for the purpose of integrating services.

Consult:  To seek or ask advice of.
    Example:  Consult with supervisor of accounting on accounting procedures.

Contribute:  To give or supply in common with others.
    Example:  Contribute to the preparation of training materials.

Control:  To exercise directing, guiding or restraining power over plans or personnel.
    Example:  Control operations by establishing performance standards, appraising performance against standards and taking corrective action.

Cooperate:  To act or operate jointly with another or others.  Voluntary action is implied.
    Example:  Cooperate with manager to train and make available qualified personnel for transfers with _____  areas.

Counsel:  To recommend as an act or course; to advise.  The advisee may not necessarily follow the recommendations.
    Example:  Counsel and advises on non-disciplinary problems.

Create:  To produce or bring to pass by influence over others; or, to originate as a work of thought or imagination.
    Example:  Create an environment conducive to caring for the personal needs and comfort of the patients.

Determine:  To come to a decision as a result of investigation or reasoning.  Certainty and reliability of the decision is implied.
    Example:  Determine the amount of stock to be purchased by each purchase order.

Develop:  To unfold more completely; to evolve the possibilities.
    Example:  Develop and coordinate accounting and statistical information for and with all departments.

Direct:  To regulate the activities of other employees or course of action.  Direction is usually due to a superior position and emphasizes the idea of authority by either position or knowledge.
    Example:  Direct nursing service activities including the preparation of nursing care plans within an assigned unit.

Establish:  To set on a firm basis, to gain full recognition or acceptance of.
    Example:  Establish a system of regular reports and analysis from unit supervisors on the progress of their responsibilities and duties.

Evaluate:  To determine the value or amount of; to appraise.
    Example:  Evaluate performance and make recommendations to Director of proper compensation for section hourly personnel.

Expedite:  To accelerate the process or progress of.
    Example:  Expedite return of material or delivery of special materials which may be needed by _____.

Forecast:  To plan ahead, to foresee.
    Example:  Forecast manpower requirements in order to develop personnel for transfer within the Department.

Formulate:  To compose into or put in a systematized statement.
    Example:  Formulate objectives, policies, plans and programs to achieve maximum efficiency within the department.

Gather:  To bring together.
    Example:  Gather information and data for use by __________.

Guide:  To regulate and manage; to direct.  Implies more immediate or personal supervision than "direct".
    Example:  Guide the general nursing staff regarding health needs of patient, families and staff.

Inform:  To communicate knowledge of or to: to tell or impart.
    Example:  Inform Manager of ideas and information related to integrating, planning, and timing additions, eliminations and modifications.

Initiate:  To originate; to introduce in the first instance; to cause or bring to pass by original act as in originating a plan, policy or procedure.
    Example:  Initiate appropriate action to recognize outstanding achievements.

Institute:  To set up; to originate and establish a method of action or procedure.
    Example:  Institute policies and procedures to maximize operational efficiency.

Instruct:  To impart knowledge through a methodical system of procedure.
    Example:  Instruct nursing staff through educational programs to improve the quality of patient care.

Interpret:  To explain in the light of individual judgment or interest.
    Example:  Interpret various chemical and microscopic tests in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Interview:  To have a formal meeting face to face in which the interviewer seeks information from the interviewee.
    Example:  Interview and evaluate applicants for employment.

Issue:  To release or send out; to publish.
    Example:  Issue general rules and procedures for __________.

Maintain:  To keep possession of; to keep up to date or current, as to maintain records.
    Example:  Maintain records of status of department personnel.

Make:  To produce or perform in the appropriate manner.
    Example:  Make periodic visits to determine if policies and procedures are being followed.

Manage:  A distinct and professional kind of work; namely, leading by persuasion and through planning, organizing, integrating and measuring.
    Example:  Manage the sales and marketing department.

Order:  To give a direction to purchase, sell or supply goods and services.
    Example:  Order office equipment through __________.

Organize:  To arrange or constitute into inter-department parts, each having a special function or relation with respect to the whole.
    Example:  Organize the activities of the Department to accomplish the responsibilities listed above.

Perform:  To Carry out or execute some action; to carry out to the finish; to accomplish.
    Example:  Perform special administrative assignments such as __________.

Plan:  To devise or project a method of course of action.
    Example:  Plan and prepare comprehensive training programs in specified areas of interest.

Prepare:  To make or form by some specific process.  Usually involves writing.
    Example:  Prepare monthly reports and miscellaneous reports of department activity.

Prescribe:  To lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action.  The right to command or order is implied.
    Example:  Prescribe medication for the treatment of disease.

Produce:  To cause to be or to happen; to create or manufacture; to bring about.
    Example:  Produce, process and maintain salary records that assure the continued implementation of the salary administrative program.

Promote:  To contribute to the growth or advance of.  Improvement is implied.
    Example:  Promote standard operational practices and procedures.

Provide:  To supply for use; to furnish; to take precautionary measures in view of a possible need.
    Example:  Provide X-ray therapy to patients under the supervision of a radiologist.

Recommend:  To offer or suggest for adoption a course of action.
    Example:  Recommend treatment programs indicated by the results of diagnostic tests.

Report:  To give a formal or official amount of.  A communication of ideas is implied.
    Example:  Report any change in policy or procedures as it affects the daily operations of the department.

Represent:  To supply the place of; to serve with delegated authority.
    Example:  Represent the Department in dealing with __________.

Review:  To go over or examine deliberately or critically (usually with a view to approve or dissent).
    Example:  Review and approve all completed documents as they pertain to the operations within the department.

Secure:  To get possession of; to obtain.
    Example:  Secure office supplies from external vendors.

Service:  To supply data, information, or assistance for the use of others.
    Example:  Service department personnel by providing files, mailing lists, library of information, and technical reading lists.

Suggest:  To arouse the thought of, the desire for, or the urge to commit.  Usually the use of indirect means is implied.
    Example:  Suggest training programs aimed at increasing departmental efficiency.

Supervise:  To inspect with authority; to guide and instruct with immediate responsibility for purpose of performance.
    Example:  Supervise activities of the unit performing __________.

Train:  To impart proficiency by teaching; to familiarize with.
    Example:  Train new personnel.

Use:  To make use of.  Usually refers to a habitual or customary action.
    Example:  Use handbooks and other published data to supply information to _________.

Write:  To record or set down for others to read; to compose.  If the composition consists primarily of original material the use of other functional verbs like "create" is suggested.
    Example:  Write purchase orders making sure that firm prices are clearly set forth, progress payments are included, etc.