Job of X

Goals

1. Describe the job of X (X = anything that can have a job).
2. Skillfully figure out the job of X.

What

Let X = anything that can have a job: a person, a company, a tool, a software tool, a group and so on.

A job (or role) of X refers to what the entity is supposed to do—its intended purpose or function.

Examples

• The job of a baker is to bake excellent cakes, bread, and desserts.
• The job of a plumber is to fix plumbing problems and install new plumbing.
• The job of Google is to help users find information on the web.
• The job of a restaurant is to serve tasty food, offer good service, and create a pleasant atmosphere.
• The job of a chainsaw is to cut wood.
• The job of a university is to educate students, conduct research, and serve the public.
• The job of wine is to provide pleasure through taste, aroma, sight, and social experience.
• The job of a concept is to help us understand, explain, or organize aspects of the world.
• The job of a U.S. president is to lead the executive branch, uphold the Constitution, and serve the public by protecting and advancing the nation’s interests.
• The job of a college course is to equip students with specific knowledge or skills.
• Education’s job is to equip people with life skills, role skills, and domain knowledge so they and their groups flourish (live well and thrive).
• The job of Statistics is to equip people in part with the knowledge and skills need to design experiments, summarize data, analyze probability, and reach conclusions that are justified by data.
• The job of the U.S. Constitution is to set the rules that enable the people to live freely, securely, and well together.

Note: In most cases, the term role or function can be substituted for job without loss of meaning.

Rationale

1. Clarifies purpose – It helps you define what X is supposed to do and what outcome to expect.
2. Increases usefulness – Understanding the job of X helps you use it more effectively, whether it’s a tool, concept, or profession.
3. Guides learning and teaching – When you know the job of a subject, you can focus on what it’s meant to equip you to do.
4. Improves communication – Expressing the job of something makes your thinking clearer to others.
5. Supports better design – In coding, education, and leadership, defining the job of each component ensures alignment and function.
6. Motivates learning – When learners know what a subject is for, they’re more likely to care and stay engaged (WIFM: What’s In It For Me).

How

1. Fill in the following template
   The job of X is to [describe what X is supposed to do]
   for [the user or beneficiary]
   so that [desired outcome or benefit].

2. Repetitions
   Refine your answer until it clearly captures what X is really for.
   Ask yourself:

   • Is this what X is truly supposed to do?
     
   • Who benefits, and how?
     
   • Does the outcome matter?

Examples

Wine

The job of wine is to provide pleasurable flavors and feelings
for people who enjoy drinking
so that they can relax, celebrate, or savor an experience.

Wind Turbine

The job of a wind turbine is to convert wind energy into electricity
for homes, businesses, and the power grid
so that people have access to clean, renewable energy.

Novel

The job of a novel is to tell a compelling story
for readers
so that they are entertained, moved, or gain insight into the human experience.

Justice

The job of justice is to ensure fair and consistent treatment
for individuals and groups
so that people can live in a society based on trust, equality, and accountability.

Curiosity

The job of curiosity is to drive a desire to explore and understand
for the learner or seeker
so that they discover new knowledge, solve problems, and grow intellectually.

Democracy

The job of democracy is to distribute power among the people
for the sake of representation and accountability
so that citizens can influence decisions, protect rights, and promote the common good.