Communicating your expectations to a coworker can be challenging, especially if you have different work styles, personalities, or goals. However, clear and respectful communication is essential for building trust, avoiding conflicts, and achieving results. In this article, you will learn some tips on how to communicate your expectations to a coworker effectively and constructively.
Before you approach your coworker, you need to identify what your expectations are and why they are important. Ask yourself what you want from your coworker, how it relates to your shared objectives, and how realistic and reasonable your expectations are. You can also consider how your coworker might perceive your expectations and what their needs and preferences are. This will help you prepare your message and avoid imposing your own assumptions or standards on your coworker.
Be clear on your expectations and understand why they would be necessary to your Co-workers. Don't come across as not a team player but someone who's invested in seeing everyone grow and get better. Use inclusive language and be open and responsive.
These are some lessons that have helped me in my 19 years experience as a matchmaker and dating coach: Clear Conversation: Choose the right time and place for a focused discussion. Use "I" Statements: Express needs without blame or defensiveness. Be Specific: Define expectations and boundaries with detail to prevent misunderstandings. Active Listening: Encourage your coworker to share their perspective, and listen actively. Non-Verbal Cues: Be mindful of body language and tone for positive communication. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule progress reviews to stay aligned and proactive. These principles will help to communicate expectations effectively in the workplace, fostering a harmonious and productive environment.
SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. By setting SMART goals, we can provide a clear roadmap to our coworkers for what needs to be achieved and when. With this framework, we can inspire our team to reach great heights and achieve success.
Encourage your co-worker to provide feedback on your expectations and be willing to adjust them if necessary. Put It in Writing,Consider summarizing your expectations in an email or document for reference. Effective communication is key to setting and managing expectations with co-workers.
In my experience, involving staff in any process or change in practices is very helpful. My remit in the past has been to explain my expectations/requirements and ask what we (as a team) can do to fulfill them in the best most effective/efficient way. By doing this staff value being part of the decision-making process and the solution. This has a positive effect and staff are more inclined to embrace what is expected of them and complete tasks as assigned. It also makes it easier to go back to them if expectations are not being met.
Once you have identified your expectations, you need to choose the right time and place to communicate them to your coworker. You want to avoid interrupting, distracting, or upsetting your coworker with your message. You also want to ensure that you have enough time and privacy to have a meaningful conversation. You can ask your coworker when they are available to talk and suggest a neutral and comfortable location. You can also explain the purpose and scope of the conversation in advance, so that your coworker knows what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
Selecting the appropriate time and place for communicating your expectations to a coworker is indeed crucial. It's a step that sets the stage for a productive and respectful dialogue. In my experience, this aspect of expectation communication significantly influences the overall success of the conversation. When you choose the right time and place, you not only avoid potential interruptions but also demonstrate consideration for your coworker's schedule and state of mind. This can foster a more receptive atmosphere. For example, scheduling a discussion during a time when your coworker is less stressed or busy can lead to better results.
A private conversation with your coworker not only enhances the importance of the requisition but also can boost his morale by creating a sense of importance and confidentiality for the task requested.
When you communicate your expectations to your coworker, you want to use positive and specific language that expresses your intentions and goals clearly and respectfully. You want to avoid vague, negative, or accusatory language that might cause confusion, defensiveness, or resentment. You can use phrases like "I appreciate", "I would like", "I suggest", or "I wonder" to convey your appreciation, desires, recommendations, or curiosity. You can also use examples, facts, or data to support your expectations and show how they benefit both of you and the project.
Avoid negative words → you want great outcomes, not bad. So be respectful and positive in your communication. Additionally, be EXTREMELY specific about what you want, the deadline, and the KPIs that will be evaluated.
Communication is a two-way process, so you need to listen and acknowledge your coworker's perspective and feedback as well. You want to show that you value their input, understand their concerns, and respect their opinions. You can use active listening skills such as nodding, paraphrasing, asking questions, or summarizing to demonstrate your attention and comprehension. You can also use affirming statements such as "I hear you", "I agree", "I understand", or "Thank you" to acknowledge your coworker's contribution and appreciation.
Be present in the conversation. For example, if you are a person easily distracted by mobile technology, you could switch them off during your conversation. Be open minded. Everyone is unique, so your colleagues may not always behave as you expect. Individual's can respond differently to the same situation for many reasons. If you take time to listen and 'really hear' what they have to say, you can learn a lot from each other.
Repeat it back! When you're trying to communicate something to someone or vice versa, a great way of knowing if you're both on the same page if to repeat what you heard/understood back to the person. This allows the other person know that they have been actively listened to, and also gives both parties the opportunity to clarify so that when that conversation is concluded, you both walk away knowing the message has been correctly sent and received. Add in some explicit timelines, feedback (positive and constructive if relevant) and avenues for communication.
I always like to follow-up after the task is completed and ask “Is there anything I could have done/said differently that would have clarified the expectations better for you or would have made the task easier for you to complete?” Asking hopefully let’s the person open up and give you feedback to help improve your communication the next time.
You're a dictator. You gave the guidelines, so now, give the proper space for your coworker to speak, taking your notes about his insights, comments, and complaints. He is in the frontline, so he needs to talk, and you, practice active listening.
Sometimes the loudest statement one can make is by listening thoughtfully and quietly to someone who needs to share something with you. We all get so fast to solve our issue without remembering everyone else has that same goal. Being a focused and caring listener can open up tremendous learning, understanding, and growth opportunity.
The final step of communicating your expectations to a coworker is to seek agreement and follow up on the outcomes. You want to ensure that you and your coworker are on the same page and have a mutual understanding of what needs to be done, how, when, and by whom. You can use clarifying questions such as "Do you have any questions?", "Is there anything else we need to discuss?", or "Are we in agreement?" to confirm your alignment and resolve any remaining issues. You can also use action-oriented statements such as "Let's do this", "I will do this", or "You will do that" to summarize your action plan and assign responsibilities. Finally, you can follow up with your coworker regularly to monitor progress, provide feedback, and celebrate achievements.
In my experience something else that can help is asking your coworker: “Was this explained to you in a way that matches your learning style?” This will generally disarm the shame affiliated with asking more questions and open the door for authenticity. Once all questions are addressed, concluding with “I expect x, and y, is that fair?” Is another way to establish a “same page” fortitude with that person.
Seeking agreement and following up on the outcomes ensures both parties clearly understand what needs to be done, when, and by whom. Clarifying questions and action-oriented statements, and regularly follow up to monitor progress and celebrate achievements.
No different than a sales opportunity, growth needs a "next steps" component as well. Ensure the purpose of an interaction has gotten through and if needed, patiently restate that purpose however necessary to reach the goal. Time saved and efficiencies are the least of the benefits when the ultimate goal is forward progress. Effective communication and a "united front" can take a team from good to great. Truly a priceless skill.
Communicating what you want clearly makes everyone's life easier within a project or job, defining what each one needs to do to achieve a common goal. Be sure to be always transparent, defining achievable KPIs and highlighting the importance of it.