Communications 101: How to Manage Expectations

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What Are Expectations?

Expectations refer to the beliefs we hold about the outcomes of events. While our expectations play an essential role in determining what happens and can contribute to goal-directed behaviour, they can also lead to disappointment when reality does not match what we had hoped would happen. 

Why do we frequently neglect managing expectations?

From my experience coaching clients across several industries, it's not common for people to proactively address expectations. However, when we don't proactively manage expectations, it increases the risk of workplace conflicts but can also threaten organisational performance.

Why do people frequently neglect managing expectations?

People don't consciously avoid managing expectations. Instead, many of us don't know why talking about interpersonal issues such as expectations is essential. When things are not on the radar, they are not considered necessary and, as a result, are not addressed.


People put concrete topics first.

From my experience, many organisations prioritise quantitative and concrete topics such as technical, numerical, or project-related issues over qualitative and interpersonal issues. Many organisations I engage with speak highly of the importance of psychological safety and feedback culture, but at the same time, many struggle with establishing the fundamentals of these principles in their organisations. Why is this?

People find it hard to switch to a relationship-level discussion

I think the main reason is people find it hard to engage with what is often called the soft-skills (from my experience, we should rename them hard skills). Talking about expectations requires moving from a content-level discussion to a relationship-level discussion. 

REFERENCES:
S1 E20: Communications 101: The Art & Science of Constructive Confrontation & Conversation
S2 E1: Communications 101: Learning How to Forge Psychological Safety
S2 E19: Communications 101: How to Give Feedback: Learning to Communicate Directly & Diplomatically.

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