Leadership Effectiveness: Why Clear Expectations Aren't Enough.
Patrick Veroneau, MS
CEO | Helping Leaders and Teams Who Want To Be Great | Author (The Leadership Bridge) | Podcast Host (Learning from Leaders) | TEDx Speaker | AI as a leadership tool
As leaders, ensuring that team members understand what is expected of them is crucial for fostering a productive and collaborative environment. Yet, setting clear expectations is only half of the equation to being effective.
The other half that is needed is the act of holding each other accountable to whatever expectations have been communicated.
When I am approached to work with teams or organizations that are not working effectively it is usually the accountability piece that has been missing for too long in spite of have clear expectations.
This article explores the significance of clear expectations and accountability through the lens of the CABLES model, emphasizing the critical role of "Specifics."
We'll also reference insights from one of the Gallup Organization's Q12 questions and David Rock's SCARF model to underline the social need for certainty.
The Power of Clear Expectations
Clear expectations provide a roadmap for employees, guiding them toward desired outcomes and reducing ambiguity. The Gallup Organization's Q2 question, "Do you know what is expected of you at work?" highlights the importance of this clarity. When employees understand their roles and responsibilities, they are more likely to feel confident and engaged, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
The CABLES Model: Specifics
The CABLES model identifies six key behaviors essential for effective leadership and team development: Consistency, Appreciation, Belongingness, Listening, Empathy, and Specifics. Among these, "Specifics" plays a vital role in setting clear expectations and strategies for holding each other accountable to the clear expectations the organization has established.
Specifics: The Foundation of Clarity
"Specifics" refers to the clear, detailed communication of expectations, goals, and responsibilities.
Leaders who excel in providing specifics ensure that every team member understands what is expected, how their work contributes to the overall objectives, and what success looks like.
This precision helps to eliminate confusion and align efforts, fostering a more cohesive and motivated team.
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Accountability: The Next Step
Once expectations are set, holding people accountable becomes essential. Accountability ensures that team members take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities.
It also reinforces the importance of meeting the established expectations, promoting a culture of trust and reliability.
The SCARF Model: The Need for Certainty
David Rock's SCARF model identifies five social domains that influence human behavior in social situations: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness.
Among these, "Certainty" is particularly relevant when discussing clear expectations. Certainty reduces anxiety and increases cognitive resources, allowing employees to focus on their tasks without the fear of the unknown.
Creating Certainty Through Specifics
By providing specifics, leaders address the social need for certainty. Clear expectations reduce uncertainty, enabling employees to perform their duties confidently.
This approach not only enhances individual performance but also fosters collaboration and innovation within the team.
Practical Steps for Leaders
To effectively set clear expectations and hold people accountable, leaders can adopt the following practices:
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure that expectations are communicated transparently and that there is an opportunity for team members to ask questions and seek clarification.
- Provide Resources: Equip employees with the necessary tools, training, and support to meet their expectations.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly review progress toward goals and provide constructive feedback.
- Recognize Achievement: Celebrate successes and acknowledge the efforts of team members who meet or exceed expectations.
- Address Issues Promptly: When expectations are not met, address the issues promptly and provide guidance to get back on track. Problems don't tend to resolve on their own and usually only grow worse over time. Don't let that happen.
Setting clear expectations and holding people accountable are fundamental leadership practices that drive team success. They must exist together.
By leveraging the CABLES model's focus on "Specifics" and understanding the social need for certainty as outlined in the SCARF model, leaders can create a collaborative and productive work environment.
Clear expectations not only enhance individual performance but also build a culture of trust, reliability, and mutual respect.
By prioritizing these practices, leaders can ensure their teams are well-equipped to achieve their goals and contribute to the organization's success.