Avoid This Major Mistake in Your Leadership

Effective teamwork is crucial for achieving organizational goals. This was something I discovered early on in my leadership as an NCO in the Army and have tried to carry over into my civilian leadership roles. One thing that stood out for me, was the need to set proper expectations for my Teams.

In working with leaders from different industries, I noticed how often leaders underestimated the importance of establishing proper expectations. Misguided expectations, whether due to unclear communication, unrealistic goals, or unspoken assumptions, have the potential to derail even the most talented and motivated teams.

One of the primary culprits behind misguided expectations is unclear communication. When Team members are not on the same page regarding their roles, responsibilities, and project objectives, it creates confusion and frustration. Ambiguity in communication can lead to team members interpreting tasks differently, resulting in a misalignment of efforts and a lack of cohesion. To avoid this, leaders must prioritize clear and transparent communication, ensuring that everyone understands their role and the overall Team objectives.

Setting unrealistic goals can be a major contributor to Team failure. While ambition is commendable, pushing a Team beyond its capabilities can lead to burnout, decreased morale, and ultimately, failure to meet expectations. Leaders should strike a balance between setting challenging goals and ensuring they are achievable within the given timeframe and resources. Establishing realistic expectations fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosts Team morale, and contributes to sustained success.

Assumptions can be detrimental to team dynamics, as they often remain unaddressed until they cause problems. Team members may make assumptions about each other's capabilities, priorities, or even the project itself. These unspoken assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and a breakdown in collaboration. It is essential for Team leaders to encourage open communication, providing a platform for team members to voice their concerns and clarify any assumptions that may hinder progress.

Failure to establish effective feedback mechanisms within a Team can hinder growth and improvement. When Team members are left in the dark about their performance or the overall progress of the project, they may continue down a misguided path without the opportunity to course-correct. Regular feedback sessions promote a culture of continuous improvement, helping the Team stay aligned with expectations and adjust their strategies as needed.

Misguided expectations can take a toll on Team morale, affecting motivation and overall job satisfaction. When Team members consistently fall short of unrealistic goals or grapple with unclear expectations, they may feel demoralized and disengaged. A demotivated Team is likely to experience increased turnover, decreased productivity, and a negative impact on the organization's culture.

Clear communication, realistic goal-setting, addressing assumptions, establishing feedback mechanisms, and prioritizing Team morale are essential components of effective Team management. Misguided expectations can create a breeding ground for failure, undermining the potential success of even the most talented Teams. By fostering a culture of transparency, open communication, and realistic goal-setting, leaders can set their Teams up for success, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and high-performing organization.

These are some of the concepts I teach in my new book “Leading With Civility.” I welcome the opportunity elaborate on the ideas in my book. If you feel your Team or organization could benefit from a Keynote or Workshop around these ideas. Please contact our office at [email protected]