Single focus roles (SFRs) have one, fairly narrow focus. They do that one thing and do it well, but aren’t expected to get involved with much coordination or decision making outside of the activities of this role. SFRs should be designed so that they don’t end up taking more time than the time they’re saving. That means people who can work well independently, and who are good at what they do (i.e. there’s little to no managing necessary, and they exceed expectations consistently on their own without prodding).

What do SFRs Do?

Single Focus Roles:

• Provide support to other roles. SFRs often do the work that would otherwise take time away from a Core or Leadership-type role, supporting their work and allowing them to spend a higher percentage of their time doing the things that bring the highest amount of value back to Tofugu.
• Don’t generally require planning outside of how and when they do their (defined) work. The boundaries of the task are already planned, defined, and decided. Unless requested, SFRs don’t generally need to participate in planning sessions (OKRs, etc).
• Have clear documentation. SFRs should know what they need to do, and know what they need to do next. The role’s documentation should give the SFR nearly everything they need to start their work right away, even on day one — otherwise the role is probably not focused enough, or it’s a CR. When creating a job listing, documentation for the role should be complete. We’ll use it in the hiring process and have candidates use it when they do their real work challenge.
• Tend to do more “transactional” work. SFRs should be able to work on one thing at a time, to completion. They shouldn’t be pulled in multiple directions at the same time.
• Have clear priorities. SFRs should have priorities, which are often set for them. “This is the most important thing right now, please focus on this until it’s done, then do this other thing next.”

Although not necessarily always the case, SFRs are generally part-time and hourly roles with limited hours.

SFR Traits

The basic ‣ for a Single Focus Role consists of the following. Note that depending on the role, we should add items to the scorecard. It’s rare to remove something, though.

• Technical Skill. Does their “single focus” really, really well. Better than we could do it.
• Efficiency. Does their work in a highly efficient manner. Produces significantly more output with minimal wasted effort. Values time and uses their limited time effectively, able to prioritize what’s most important first.
• Reliability. Lives up to their verbal and written agreements. Does what they say they’re going to do, when they say they’re going to do it.
• Attention to detail. Knows the work of their single focus inside and out. Doesn’t let important details slip through the cracks.
• Integrity. Is widely trusted. Seen as direct and truthful. Presents the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner. Admits mistakes. Doesn’t misrepresent themselves for personal gain.
• Effective Communication. Understands when and what information needs to be communicated. Knows especially when to proactively communicate upward. Provides clear and organized information that others would need to make an informed decision.

When to Create an SFR

SFRs are designed to help those in Core Roles and Leadership Roles to focus on their roles. SFRs should be hired to complete specific tasks to a high level of quality so that other roles can spend more time on progress-driving work.