Setting clear expectations
Use these 3 steps to be clear
Use these 3 steps to be clear
3 minutes
We all absorb and process information differently. Just visualise all the filters your message is going through and how much distortion can happen from person to person.
These 3 steps will help ensure your message is received clearly when setting expectations with a task or project.
1
Describe the task clearly
Explain what needs to be done, what a good result or outcome looks like, and any other key performance standards required.
Agree on timeframes and check-in points.
Clarify whether you want to be consulted during the task or simply informed once it’s complete.
This helps your team know exactly what’s expected and what actions are required of them.
Agree on timeframes and check-in points.
Clarify whether you want to be consulted during the task or simply informed once it’s complete.
This helps your team know exactly what’s expected and what actions are required of them.
2
Check their understanding
Ask a specific question to confirm their understanding matches yours.
Try:
“How do you think you’ll approach it?”
“What does success look like to you?"
“What’s your plan for the first few steps?
“Just to make sure we’re aligned - what do you see as the key deliverables here?”
“When would you like to check in?”
Try:
“How do you think you’ll approach it?”
“What does success look like to you?"
“What’s your plan for the first few steps?
“Just to make sure we’re aligned - what do you see as the key deliverables here?”
“When would you like to check in?”
3
Follow up in writing
If the conversation happens face-to-face or on a call, send a quick summary email afterwards to confirm what was agreed.
It keeps everyone aligned and reduces misunderstandings.
by
Hellomonday