How many times have you left a meeting, whether one-on-one, project, or team without clarity on what action is required? Time and time again, clear expectations are not communicated. This has a negative impact on productivity, results, engagement, and even on relationships!

In numerous conversations with leaders, what repeatedly comes up is the challenge of setting clear expectations. And often, leaders start to learn that others are frustrated with their inability to set clear expectations – including communicating deadlines. When expectations, including deadlines, are not communicated, there tends to be disappointment on many sides, and lost time – or worse, added stress and anxiety due to the need to play catch up to complete the project at the last minute.

Being clear and setting direction is an important part of leadership – whether you are leading a team, a project, or a transition.

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One of the biggest challenges for many leaders is setting and communicating clear expectations.

I was recently part of a project team in a volunteer role. The individual in charge of leading the project was not setting clear expectations. He failed to provide necessary information for the project to be completed successfully. He did not communicate deadlines – and there was a very important deadline to hit. Even when others asked the appropriate questions to clarify expectations, he was unable to do so.

What causes this inability to set clear expectations, which are essential for driving results?

From my experience not only working in the corporate world, but also as a coach, there seem to be many drivers.

• Assuming others know what has not yet been communicated
• Discomfort “asking” of others
• Fear that someone will counter the expectation – for example, say it’s impossible to achieve said action by the stated deadline
• Uncomfortable holding others accountable
• Lack of clarity of what is needed on the part of the leader

The list is longer than the above, but whatever the reason, a successful leader needs to be able to set clear expectations if they want to achieve the results they have set out to accomplish. It’s also important if they want to keep people engaged!

TIP: At the end of a meeting, get consensus that everyone knows what to do next and by when! Ask them what they heard.

Communication is an important element of clearly setting expectations.

If you are a leader or know a leader who could improve in the area of communications and/or setting clear expectations, let’s connect.

“Clarity affords focus.” – Thomas Leonard