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Managing expectations is an important skill to have in a workplace. It minimizes the chances of disappointments, frustrations, and miscommunication with your colleagues or employer.
It is normal to have expectations; in fact, you need to have expectations at your workplace - it is an integral part of a healthy work environment. When managers, supervisors, and colleagues set expectations at work, it boosts morale, enhances productivity, and makes everyone accountable.
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Expectations are beliefs or assumptions that something will happen in our personal or professional lives. This belief, often powerful, shapes our determination and motivation to engage in an activity.
In a workplace, expectations can broadly be divided into two categories. We shall define each in how it applies in the workplace.
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These are expectations employees and employers have regarding workplace outcomes. As defined above, these expectations can either be realistic or unrealistic. Setting expectations at work is one of the vital skills for achieving success, and appreciation of the reality of what we always hope for may not actualize.
Managing expectations at work is often a team effort, as expectations are not isolated events. For example, if you work in the sales department, you expect every team member to work diligently towards realizing the target.
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Managing expectations at work involve understanding company culture and how best to create healthy boundaries that guide your association with your colleagues, leadership, and management.
It should be viewed as part of your strategic planning toward success in delegated tasks and ensuring that you confidently approach the future.
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Managing expectations at work ensure that employee expectations align with management expectations. Employees fully understand their expectations as individual contributors or when working in teams. This is two-way traffic; thus, employees and management need to have this vital skill for a positive outcome. When well managed, it leads to a better relationship as rules are clearly defined, constructive feedback is offered, and everyone becomes accountable.
In short, when you manage expectations at work, you are better placed to see the bigger picture and set clear expectations. You will know the difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations and how to approach each. Moreover, you will be able to:
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Whereas managing expectations is a two-way street - between employers and employees- it is important for leaders to take the lead in shaping expectations.
Employees often look towards leaders for direction, including on expectations. If there is trouble setting clear expectations, employees will move in different directions, resulting in a toxic work environment.
To manage expectations at work, do the following:
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At highrise, we understand that expectations at work are vital for meeting objectives - as a person or as a team.
The benefits of mastering this important skill are immense and will overall boost your reputation within your organization to ensure that you achieve success.
Contact us today if this is one of your skills to implement at work.
