My executive coaching clients occasionally express frustration that others don’t meet their expectations. Reasons include poor quality, a missed deadline, the wrong deliverable, or not knowing where the task/project is at. Unmet expectations can lead to decreased productivity and tension. This can be avoided by assuring that expectations are clear and are agreed upon by all parties.
Here are some ideas that will help you create clear expectations with others.
1. Be clear about what you expect before you ask others to do it. If you are not able to articulate what you want it will be difficult for someone else to know what to do.
2. Tell others why it is important and what’s in it for them. When people understand the reason and the benefit, they are more inclined to commit.
3. Be succinct. Going “on and on” can be confusing.
4. Check for understanding. Ask questions to assure that others grasp what is being expected of them.
5. Show what you want for the desired end result by utilizing examples. Use demonstrations, mock ups, visuals, charts or graphs to make it visually clear.
6. Agree on next steps. Then follow-up with written summation of action steps, who is responsible, check-ins and timelines.
7. Inspect what you expect. Measure progress with pre-scheduled reviews. Redirect and course correct if warranted.
8. Acknowledge a job done well. State specifically what others did to contribute to success.
How do you create clear expectations with others?