The Importance of Expectations

My wife and I sat down with our kids the other night to have a frank discussion about their responsibilities around the house and our expectations for them. We wanted to make sure we were on the same page with what was expected of them on a daily basis. We asked them if they knew what their daily responsibilities were. Some of our kids responded with a couple answers but none of them knew exactly how to answer or everything that was expected of them. We told them they need to brush their teeth, get their school backpacks together, feed the rabbit and the lizard, and have their shoes on before they could watch a show or play with any remaining time before school. We also explained to them that after they get home from school they could play but then needed to do piano practice and a few other things before bedtime. We then made a magnet board chart for them with their responsibilities so they could move the chores from "To-Do" to "Done" so they could easily track their progress.

Hammurabi was a Babylonian king who had all of the rules and laws of their society written down into what is now known as “The Code of Hammurabi”. Hammurabi didn't necessarily create tons of new laws, rather, he compiled them into one central place. Up to this point in history most of the people knew what the laws were and some of them were written, but until this king had them all written down they did not exist together in a relatively accessible place. With all of the rules written in one place, people could easily know what was expected of them if they were to stay in good standing in society and with the law.

It is so important to have a clear idea of what your expectations are for your children or in a business sense for your co-workers and team members. When those you work with know what is expected of them, two things happen. 1st people are more motivated to work and reach those goals and expectations that are set for them. In my experience, when people know what is expected of them, they have an easier time reaching the expectations set for them and even surpassing them. 2nd as a leader, you now have the ability to recognize those on your team for reaching or exceeding your expectations.

If you don’t know what your team's expectations are for you, ask them! If you are in a leadership position, make sure those around you know what you expect from them.