Does your staff know your expectations?
It’s that time of year when we enroll people to support our game plans. We share those plans, then press ahead thinking we have been understood, only to discover we were wrong and things don’t get done. This is a classic example of unfulfilled expectations. Rather than fall into the blame game, to be a better leader, you need to look internally and ask how we might communicate more effectively to minimize misunderstandings. As Frank Robbins likes to say, “Eliminating unfulfilled expectations is the path to effective management”.
Three tips on how to do this right to be a better leader
- Have either a department or company-wide session where you share your top three 2019 goals. Consider as a group what must happen to make them a reality.
- Discuss expectations that EVERYONE needs to understand. State clearly what is non- negotiable. Be clear regarding the rules of your game. These should be tied to your values.
- Have honest, open, 1-1 or small group discussions to make sure everyone is on board. Do not fall into the mistake of thinking that telling someone what you expect means they agree, or worse, that silence is agreement.
When done right, this can solve these 3 problems
- End the Blaming and Shaming game you are playing.
- Prevent thinking that just because she/he heard you, she/he understood you and agrees with your request.
- Help you recognize that when breakdowns occur (and they happen with all of us). You will be able to see what you missed and how next time you can do the “set up” better (call and we will explain this).
PS: What to expect from us this year
Partnership and, to the best of our ability, making sure we eliminate unfulfilled expectations between us.
Call us today for support in communicating your expectations! 773-775-6636.
Written by John Ruh
John M. Ruh and Associates are mission based business advisors who partner with growth oriented leaders to create the right P.S.T. support: the right People, the right Structure and the right Tools.