Setting Expectations Require Shared Understanding

Lee Horton delves into the critical role of setting clear expectations in leadership and team dynamics. He emphasises that expectations should be a shared understanding between leaders and their teams, forming the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success. Drawing an analogy from Santa Claus, Lee illustrates how genuine connection and clarity can lead to delightful surprises rather than unwelcome ones in the workplace. He outlines three essential steps for leaders: listening deeply to their teams, collaboratively setting expectations, and connecting meaningfully with individuals. By prioritising these elements, leaders can unlock creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships within their teams, ultimately driving better results.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Importance of Clear Expectations: Expectations should be a shared understanding between parties. When they are clear, aligned, and agreed upon, they form the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success.
• Connection is Key: Building genuine connections on a human level is essential for effective leadership. This includes understanding team members' strengths, motivations, and challenges, as well as fostering a two-way connection.
• Three Steps for Leaders: To enhance connection and set expectations effectively, leaders should: 1. Listen deeply to their teams to understand their needs and aspirations. 2. Set expectations collaboratively, clarifying what should happen while co-creating how it will happen. 3. Connect meaningfully with team members, moving beyond transactional relationships to build trust and rapport.
• Two-Way Street of Leadership: Leadership involves both top-down and bottom-up communication. Leaders must provide direction while also empowering their teams to contribute ideas and solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
• Unlocking Potential: When leaders prioritise connection and set clear expectations, they unlock not just the potential for results, but also for creativity, innovation, joy, and strong relationships within the team.

BEST MOMENTS

"An expectation is a shared understanding of what is desired, required, and possible between two or more people." 

"When people understand each other, when there's genuine two-way connection, expectations are met and surprises are welcome." 

"Missed expectations lead to frustration, they lead to conflict, leads to disengagement." 

"Leaders must build genuine relationships with their people. Leadership isn't a one-way street." 

"Expectations are powerful, but only when they're clear, aligned and agreed upon." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.