The concept that you can subtly redesign your position to better fit your strengths while leaning away from your weaknesses, is what job crafting is about. It's based on the reality that many jobs are flexible, to a certain extent. The benefits of job crafting are better performance and job satisfaction, while impressing your boss.

Job crafting can be done anytime, without prior approval from managers. There are four basic steps to crafting your job.

Step 1. Decide what you want to change by crafting your job. 

Look for what you can change, without changing the content of your work, such as the following:

*  Tasks: This involves improving the way thing are done, or using your knowledge to change methods, to generate better results. It's about creating ways to play to your strengths.

*  Relationships: Look for ways to have more satisfying interactions during the work day, such as mentoring a co-worker.

*  Purpose: Reframe the purpose of your work from the job description to something more positive. For example, an IT help desk technician can shift from "I answer phones all day and put out fires," to "I get to help internal customers have a more trouble-free, enjoyable day at work."

Step 2. Evaluate how crafting your job will impact you and your environment.

This refers to your wider work environment, not just your "cubicle." Take into account those you routinely connect with, such as your clients, colleagues, supervisor or manager, and the organization as a whole.

For job crafting to be effective, it must be a win-win solution. If you enjoy mentoring co-workers, you gain the satisfaction from the interaction, the co-workers become more productive, and the organization gets a better-trained, more effective workforce.

Step 3. Act to put positive job crafting change in place.

At this stage, the key is to shift any "learned helplessness", whereby you may have become accustomed to believing no one will appreciate your contributions at any cost. Job crafting gives you the opportunity to turn this around by refocusing your job. You decide what will make you happy and act on it; become proactive rather than reactive. And make sure it's a positive outcome for the organization.

Step 4. Check on your job crafting progress, adjust, and continue.

Make sure your job adjustments give you what you truly want, while ensuring your boss and clients are happy as well. Also consider the effects on your wider circle of influence mentioned in Step 2, and make sure your job crafting is compatible with them. If all is well, continue to make your changes a habit. If not, make adjustments.

Benefits of job crafting include:
* Greater enjoyment from your work.
* Helps you approach your work with more energy and enthusiasm.
* Encourages real development by improving skills.
* Perfecting the job crafting skill can lead to career enhancement opportunities.

Source: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_36.htm
Try a Positive Job Crafting exercise at: http://www.bus.umich.edu/Positive/POS-Teaching-and-Learning/JobCraftingExercise.htm and Career Management Alliance

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