To bridge the gap, hold a meeting to clarify both sides expectations. Listen to the client’s needs and explain your team’s process clearly. Align on a shared goal, and create a detailed onboarding plan that meets both parties halfway. Ensure ongoing communication to keep everyone on the same page and address any concerns early.

To bridge differing expectations between your team and a client during onboarding, open communication is the foundation. Start by organizing a meeting where both sides can openly share their goals and perspectives, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start. Develop a detailed onboarding plan that incorporates input from both the client and your team, clearly outlining responsibilities and priorities. Be ready to step in as a mediator if needed, finding compromises that satisfy both parties. Keeping both sides engaged and informed fosters trust and ensures a smoother onboarding process.

In my experience, When faced with conflicting expectations during onboarding, it's crucial to actively listen to both parties, identify the root causes, and find common ground. Clear communication and transparency are key. By setting realistic expectations, providing regular updates, and addressing concerns promptly, we can build trust and ensure a smooth onboarding process

A way to go about this would be to set up a meeting where expectations and timelines are clearly discussed. If there are discrepancies, wouldn’t recommend to sign a contract before clearing the air. Both the clients and team ought to be ready to negotiate their terms in the meeting.

Facilitate an open discussion—bring both sides together to share perspectives. Identify common goals—focus on shared objectives to align everyone. Set clear expectations—define roles, responsibilities, and outcomes. Document agreements—ensure clarity and avoid future misunderstandings. Follow up consistently—monitor progress and adjust as needed to maintain alignment.