Setting Expectations

Setting Expectations is a key leadership skill that is often executed poorly.  Below we talk about the following aspects of how to Set Expectations:

• Why Leaders Need to Set Clear Expectations
• Different Media to Set Expectations
• The Do’s of Setting Expectations
• The Don’ts of Setting Expectations

Why Leaders Need to Set Clear Expectations

• Quite simply, you can’t hold people accountable for things they didn’t know they were responsible for.

Different Media to Set Expectations

There are many ways that managers Set Expectations with their people.  Some of those methods are:

• Job Descriptions
• Performance Reviews
• One on One Meetings
• Articulation of clear Goals & Objectives
• Development Plans
• Performance Contracts
• Discussions
• Emails

The Do’s of Setting Expectations

• Refine, Reinforce and Repeat the expectations you have of others.
• Use multiple media to Set Expectations.
• Have a few, key important objectives rather than a laundry list.
• Use One on One meetings to ensure clarity of Set Expectations.
• Describe standards or parameters of the expectations that you set.
• Describe how success will be measured.
• Describe how the expectations you are setting fit into the big picture
• Set SMART Expectations:
  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time Bound

The Don’ts of Setting Expectations

• Use General “HR Speak”.
• “Have good organizational skills”
•  “Other duties as assigned”
• “Extend courtesy and project professionalism”

• Think that one conversation is adequate.
• Set Expectations without asking questions to test for understanding.
• Set Expectations once, and then forget about it.

3 Things to Remember About How to Set Expectations:

1. Time invested up front to articulate clear expectations pays back many times over.
2. Asking good questions is a key skill in setting expectations.
3. Be SMART when articulating expectations

Watch the ‘3-Minute Crash Course’ about Setting Expectations (CLICK THE ARROW TO START THE VIDEO):

Looking for the Full-Length Podcast/Video? …

Get Instant Access to 200+ Cheat Sheets, Videos, and Other Immediately Usable Tools for Busy Managers – Try Out a Wily Manager Membership Today!