Mistakes happen. Misunderstandings happen. Obviously, we’d rather they didn’t. But one of the easiest ways to avoid both is for leaders to set clear expectations.
Whether it’s onboarding a new hire, planning for a new role, starting a new project or clarifying priorities for the weeks, months or year ahead, it’s worth taking the time to make expectations as clear as possible.
There are several reasons why. In addition to reducing the opportunity for errors, clear expectations can help build trust and lead to stronger relationships. They also often result in better outcomes. Setting expectations clearly at the outset helps put everyone at ease and allows them to focus.
Consider the following best practices for setting expectations:
- Clarify the goal or goals. These should be measurable, clear and achievable. At the very outset, ask the question, “How will we measure success?”
- Define the scope, the deliverables and the role each person will play. Map everything out clearly and make sure everyone is told what their role is. Confirm understanding from all stakeholders.
- Set timelines for the work. Be realistic, allow for buffer time and establish milestones along the way.
- Document expectations. Make sure everyone has access to the plan. This can help to avoid misunderstandings.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate. Do it early and often. Send summary updates by email or in other ways. Invite questions from all stakeholders as progress updates are made.
- Allow for active listening, including feedback. Encourage this from the start and set touchpoints to gain that feedback. Or solicit it, if you’re not sure your team is sharing their thoughts with you.
- Allow space to address gaps or pivots that may be needed. Things change along the way; regular check-ins allow for adjustments to the plan and help define expectations. This demonstrates adaptability, which is especially important in today’s fast-moving environment.
- Use examples to have constructive conversations. When a mishap occurs or a mistake happens (and they will), use practical examples to help others visualize and understand where the challenge occurred. If no one knows the exact source of the challenge, take time to discuss what happened. Encourage your team to roll up their sleeves and investigate why something went wrong.
Clear instructions are key to success. If your employee or team is waiting on you for clear instructions, you owe that to them. Detailed, unambiguous directions serve as a sound foundation for any project, and they help to keep people aligned. Being transparent not only reinforces the importance of your goals, but it empowers (and motivates) others to take action.
As you begin to plan budgets and set 2027 priorities, this is a great time to put these ideas into practice.