Everyone has expectations. We experience satisfaction when expectations are met and joy when we get something better than expected.
When expectations are not met, we feel disappointment and frustration. If we purchase something and we don’t get what we expected, it gets returned. What happens when we expect something from work and we don’t get it? Do we become demotivated? Do we “return” the job by resigning?
Managing expectations therefore, is one of the most important responsibilities of a manager. You have certain expectations for employees which need to be communicated and you also need to know what employees expect to clarify expectations before disappointment sets in.
Managing expectations is an ongoing process through communication that is both frequent and honest. It is especially important to manage expectations:
- During the Interview: It is critical that candidates receive a realistic job preview. Candidates will bring expectations about the job and the company based on their previous experience. A realistic job preview clarifies similarities and differences. It is better that a candidate deselects themselves than start a job and find out their expectations won’t be met.
- During Orientation: Don’t leave orientation to just the human resource department. Immediately make the connection with your new employee so that trust starts to build. Provide employees with an explanation of procedures, job descriptions and even a blank performance review to help manage expectations. Start a dialog on how each of these compare to previous employers.
- During Change: When things change, reset expectations. We have a sense of comfort when we know what to expect, even if it’s something we don’t like, at least we know. Talk about what is going to be different but also what will remain the same.
- During Coaching Sessions: Coaching is a reminder of the expectations that were previously communicated. One of the worst things to hear is “I didn’t know, nobody told me.” Make sure your employees know what is expected so there are no surprises or disappointments.
People like working for a manager with integrity, you preserve your credibility when you are upfront and deliver what you say. By Managing Expectations, you will improve your relationship with your employees who will be more engaged in their work. Management Skills Resource, Inc. is pleased to offer a Manager as Coach workshop that includes managing expectations.
To discuss your training plans, contact us at info@ManagementSkillsInc.com or call 972 881-5282.