A Leader’s Challenge: Crafting Clear Expectations in the Workplace

Have you ever assumed that your clear, concise email was understood uniformly by all, only to find out later that team members had different interpretations? Have you noticed employees feeling overwhelmed by, or uncertain about, their expanding roles? Can you recall a time when implicit pressures created stress among your team?

Creating clear expectations in the workplace has never been an easy thing to do. It is getting increasingly complicated to create that clarity in the volatile, uncertain and ambiguous environment we often find ourselves in. Toss in the overabundance of information coming our way everyday from a variety of sources and it is no surprise that ensuring everyone is on the same page can be challenging.

Yet it is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Unclear expectations, which results in unmet expectations and frustration are at the heart of many failures in the workplace.

The Complexity of Communication

It is easy to assume that a well-crafted email, or a speech delivered at a town hall will be interpreted consistently by everyone however we all know by now this is fiction. Our teams are increasingly a melting pot of cultures and generations, each with unique perspectives, experiences, and work styles. We all take in and process information differently and without some multi-channel communication and clear processes, these differences can create chasms.

Mixing up different modes of communication: email, speeches, videos, project maps, face to face meetings can communicate the same message in slightly different ways. Tailoring communication and expectation-setting strategies to fit different preferences helps build an inclusive environment while also gaining assurance that everyone is on the same page. Creating a feedback loop to clarify what was heard helps identify gaps in understanding early, before they become a big issue.

Evolving Roles and Responsibilities

As our organizations change to adapt to the external environment and new customer expectations, roles are often evolving. Employees can find themselves juggling new responsibilities without clear guidance. One-on-one meetings with direct reports have never been more important. We need to use this time to review roles, clarity expectations and align on priorities. This will help employees feel more secure and focused while also ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Building in the appropriate flexibility is also important. The best leaders I have observed are very skilled at setting clear, overarching objectives while allowing teams the flexibility to determine their methods. These leaders incorporate regular check-ins to facilitate progress reviews and adjustments, because nobody likes surprises! This balance between clear direction and creative freedom creates a more dynamic and innovative team.

Addressing Unspoken Expectations

During a candid conversation at a prior workplace, I discovered an implicit pressure among a group of employees to be available at all hours. This unspoken expectation created unnecessary stress. I addressed this directly by explicitly stating the company’s stance on work-life balance. We also worked together to create some team norms around how urgent communication outside of regular working hours would be handled. The team also agreed to utilize features like “delay send” on emails that were sent outside of regular hours to reduce a perceived need by others to respond to those emails.

Some closing thoughts....

Creating clear expectations in the workplace is an evolving process. Have you considered that it’s not a one-time achievement but a continuous effort? As a leader, continuously seeking clarity and alignment in expectations is crucial. What steps will you take today to improve clarity within your organization? How can you ensure that both you and your team move in harmony towards common objectives, driving success and satisfaction in your workplace?