The Power Of Expectation

The Law of Limited Performance says that People will figure out the level of performance their Manager will settle for and soon get to that level. Managers then assume that this is all the team member is capable of achieving and quit challenging him or her to get better. Now, both the Manager and the Team Member begin to reinforce what the other believes.

For leaders to be effective and motivate people, they must be able to speak and clearly communicate to many different personality styles. People engage in conversations and talk to each other all day long--but the mere act of talking doesn't necessarily mean they have communicated.

I can't think of any venture in my professional or personal life that has been successful without me clearly setting up and stating my expectations up front. One of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is to assume that just because they've given a speech, led a meeting, or spoken to someone, communication has taken place. Whether you're a CEO, a parent, friend, or spouse, this is a wrong assumption which often leads to misunderstanding and confusion.

"Leaders don't assume. Assumptions are the termites of leadership. Communicate, communicate, and communicate, until you connect."

Most misunderstandings are due to a lack of clear expectations, whether it's a business issue, a family problem, or a personal relationship. Many times, people have meetings or discussions with a group or individual and naturally assume they have conveyed their message-only to find out the people they're working with come away confused, without knowing what is really expected of them or what action to take.

Leaders with great expectations can develop a team of great performers - but first they must communicate their expectations clearly at all levels.

Here are some effective ways to do this:

1.  ALWAYS SET EXPECTATIONS

Most of the time we naturally assume that people understand what they need to do. But the truth is, they really don't. It's just our assumption. Setting up CLEAR EXPECTATIONS is the first step to success with your interactions with people. It sets the tone for all future communications, which is why it's so important.

"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be."  Stephen R. Covey  The Pygmalion Effect

The work of Rosenthal and Jacobsen (1968), among others, shows that teacher expectations influence student performance. Positive expectations influence performance positively, and negative expectations influence performance negatively. Rosenthal and Jacobson originally described the phenomenon as the Pygmalion Effect.

"When we expect certain behaviors of others, we are likely to act in ways that make the expected behavior more likely to occur." (Rosenthal and Babad,1985)

2.  ALWAYS COMMUNICATE AND FOLLOW UP

Communication is an art as well as a skillset. At the same time you are getting buy-in and commitment from your people, it is essential to connect with them. Asking questions and making people find the answers for themselves makes them feel like an integral part of the communication process and gives them a sense of ownership, which is motivating. That's the art of connecting.

"Coaching is the universal way to connect with people, helping them to develop a new perspective, while expanding their inner beliefs and boundaries, equipping them to become the best version of themselves."

When I began asking more questions, that one dynamic totally changed my relationships. So stop talking and start asking! Your skillset has to do with your communication style-knowing when to be direct or diplomatic, aggressive or tactful, knowing when and how to coach and ask the questions that will motivate people to come up with their own answers.

3.  ALWAYS RAISE THE BAR

I believe all people have greatness within them, they sometimes just don't see it. When you set expectations, you expand their belief that what they once thought was impossible, now is possible. After meeting and exceeding your goals (expectations), give yourself time to celebrate. Ask the follow up question, "what's next?", and set new expectations. This is the most important habit for a successful leader or entrepreneur.

The ability to challenge and lead people to raise expectations without losing momentum and passion, while keeping the fires burning as you strive to meet new goals, is what makes the difference between a good leader and a great leader.

"Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them." Anonymous

Are you ready to unleash the power of your own expectations now and see how your life changes?

Farshad Asl Top Leaders News Top Leaders Academy