Becoming a Better Boss Secret 22: Setting Expectations – Ten Tips

First, a vocabulary lesson:

Goal: Broad statement of work to be accomplished in a given period of time.

Objective: Action item that helps achieve goals. Objectives help break down goals into workable chunks.

Expectation: A strong belief that someone will achieve a defined task.

You may be familiar with the Pygmalion Effect – a psychological phenomenon in which high expectations lead to improved performance. Some refer to this simply as a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we believe an employee can achieve great performance, they in fact do. If we believe an employee is incapable, they prove us right. Bottom line, as bosses we need to treat our employees in ways that lead to superior performance.

This puts pressure on you to set high expectations, believe in your people, and equip them with what they need to meet your high expectations. You may need to work on some common issues that get in the way of allowing people to work beyond even what they personally believe is possible. We are referring to issues such as trust, effective delegation, growth investment, and clear communication.

Employees must clearly understand your expectations for their performance. You need to communicate openly what you expect to be accomplished, and let them go for it. Many times, bosses are unconsciously more effective in communicating low expectations than in communicating high expectations!

SETTING PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS – TIPS

1. Clearly communicate goals and objectives and make sure the goals and objectives are well-known and understood.
2. Remember that expectations start with a mindset, confidence that people can perform at a high level.
3. Pay attention to the process of setting expectations, set your employee up for success from the start.
4. Take time to make expectations clear in your mind, before you have a conversation with an employee.
5. Personalize goals, objectives, and expectations with input from your employee.
6. Get agreement, and commitment.
7. Explain the “why.” Help employees see the big picture.
8. Keep track and analyze available data.
9. Communicate continuously.
10. Reward, correct, or adjust as needed.

One of the greatest rewards as a boss is watching an employee learn, grow and excel. When you believe in someone, and let them know you believe in them, they almost always achieve  – and exceed – all expectations.

For more information on Setting Expectations and for 24 more secrets, check out Becoming a Better Boss – Your Guidebook to 25 Fundamental Management Responsibilities now available at Amazon.com!