Generations at Work 012: Setting Clear Expectations to Unite Generations at Work
Jul 1, 2025
Join Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and bestselling author, as he dives into how setting clear expectations can bridge gaps between workplace generations. He discusses how different life experiences shape expectations, the critical role of ongoing communication to prevent conflict, and the need for leaders to clarify responsibilities early. With practical analogies, Tim emphasizes the importance of relationships in managing expectations and shares actionable strategies to foster unity and a positive team culture.
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Generational Expectations Differ Widely
- Different generations bring different expectations shaped by life experience and role exposure.
- Gen Z often expects faster promotion, more authority, and different PTO norms than older cohorts.
Interview Confidence Misread As Arrogance
- Tim recounts an interview where a top student told the attorney she'd have his job in 18 months.
- The candidate's confidence read as cockiness and led to an immediate dismissal, showing perception gaps.
Expectation-Reality Gap Drives Conflict
- Conflict grows with the distance between expectations and reality.
- Small unmet expectations magnify into larger emotional responses if unaddressed.
