Often in business issues around performance, productivity and engagement are largely due to a misalignment and miscommunication of expectations. As individuals, we have expectations of ourselves – how we like to present ourselves, the standards we operate by, the results we generate and so on. However, at times we make the mistake of assuming the expectations we have of ourselves are reasonable expectations to have of others.
This approach tends to overlook the importance of understanding the expectations others have of themselves first and foremost; and secondly often leads to further assuming that a simple explanation of what we expect is enough for the other person to understand what we want.
Taking time to share your expectations, uncover those of the other person and discussing how to align expectations is essential for preventing performance, productivity and engagement outcomes down the track. It also provides an opportunity for you as a leader to know the level of support, mentoring and guidance you will need to offer your team member in order for them to successfully meet, if not exceed, expectations set.
The activity below will get you thinking about expectations that matter most to you.
