Ducks in a Row: Clarify Expectations
by Miki Saxon“When we aren’t clear and specific about our expectations, upfront, we get what we get, and we don’t get upset.”
Isn’t that a great line? I recently read it in a Social Q’S column, but it should be a management mantra, with the emphasis on the first part.
Better yet, teach it to every human from kindergarten on; embed it so deeply in the thought process that it becomes second nature.
Wouldn’t you love to work for and with people who really were clear about what they expected of you?
People who took responsibility for fuzzy expectations that only hinted at what they wanted and left the interpretation of their expectations to you.
People who didn’t get upset when your interpretation didn’t match their poorly communicated thoughts.
Just think of how different your romantic relationship and friendships, not to mention the interactions with your children, would be if expectations were clearly stated.
But all that pales in comparison to the difference clearly stated expectations would make to the stress levels of your professional life.
Think how exciting and motivating it would be if you knew exactly what was expected of you on your next assignment; not only what, but why and when it was expected.
Ambiguous expectations are rarely intentional, so how do you know if you are guilty of them?
By the results over time; frequent misunderstandings are a sure sign that you need to be clearer when stating your expectations.
Another good check is to ask people to describe your expectations in their own words, but don’t be surprised if what they heard and what you thought you said bare little-to-no resemblance to each other.
Flickr image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zedbee/103147140/
