Orthotown December 2024 - 38

STEP
1
The importance of
expectations
The first and arguably most
crucial step in setting expectations
is recognizing their
importance. When everyone
in an organization is aligned,
communication improves, productivity
rises and confusion decreases.
Without clear expectations, even
highly skilled teams can struggle with
inefficiency and conflicting goals.
Clear expectations serve as a road
map, providing employees with guidelines
about what is expected of them
both individually and as a team. For
example, setting performance expectations
can help teams meet deadlines
and hit targets, while behavioral
expectations define the company's
culture and work environment.
Beyond productivity, establishing
expectations builds trust between
employees and management. When
expectations are communicated
clearly, employees understand their
roles, which can lead to increased
job satisfaction and reduced turnover-making
performance management
and fostering a positive work
culture more seamless. Recognizing
the importance of setting expectations
is the foundation of a thriving
workplace.
STEP
2
Defining expectations:
tailored and universal
After understanding the
importance of expectations,
the next step is defining
them. Expectations
should be tailored based
on the role, seniority and capabilities
of each employee. For instance, a new
hire's expectations will differ from
those of a long-time employee and the
responsibilities of a project manager
differ from those of a marketing
associate. While expectations vary,
there should also be common standards
aligned with the company's core
values.
Consider these types of
expectations:
Position-specific expectations:
Tied to the employee's role, these
cover tasks, performance metrics and
deadlines. For example, a content
writer may need to produce a certain
number of articles each week, while
a sales manager might have specific
sales targets.
Behavioral expectations: Covering
conduct and interactions, these
may include values like teamwork,
professionalism and integrity. Behavioral
expectations ensure employees
align with company culture and foster
a positive workplace.
Common goals: These overarching
goals apply to all employees, such as
achieving a revenue target or increasing
customer satisfaction. Shared expectations
create unity and give employees a
collective sense of purpose.
Clearly defined expectations not
only provide direction but also allow
employers to measure performance
objectively. By balancing individualized
and company-wide expectations,
leaders can cultivate a collaborative,
goal-oriented culture.
STEP
3
While expectations vary,
there should be also common
standards aligned with the
company's core values.
DECEMBER 2024 | 38 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
Communicating
expectations: verbal
and written
Once expectations are
defined, the next step is
effective communication.
Expectations should be
communicated directly, clearly and in
both verbal and written formats. This
ensures employees understand what is
required and have a reference point.
Face-to-face discussions allow
leaders to communicate expectations
personally, creating an opportunity
for two-way conversation, questions
and clarification. One-on-one meetings,
team gatherings and performance
reviews are ideal for verbal
communication.
However, it's equally important to
document expectations in writing.
Written expectations reduce misinterpretation,
create a permanent
record and hold both the employee
and employer accountable. Having a
written document to refer to can also
be useful for busy leaders who may not
remember every detail of their conversations
with employees.
In summary, communicating
expectations verbally and in writing
promotes clarity and accountability,
fostering a culture of transparency.
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Orthotown December 2024

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