We generally receive what we expect. In other words are expectations are usually met.
If you expected 2009 to be a terrible year – it probably was.
If you expect your kid's marks to be low – they likely are.
If you expect results to be low . . . you get the point.
Expectations are not always what we communicate directly – with our words, but rather implied by what is between the words and through our actions.
If I say that I think the economic outlook is bright, but pull back spending in every area, my actions are exposing what I really think.
If I tell you that I think you are managing well and doing a good job, but continue to hold back authority and responsibility – what am I really saying?
The good news in all of this is that it works both ways. If I expect the good and the positive, I will tend to get it. If I expect my team to improve their performance and results, they will raise the level of their game to meet my expectations. If I expect any individual team member to rise to their greatest potential – they will.
It is impossible to fake it. They (expectations) are impossible to hide. So how do you change them?
It is a change in what you believe . . . and that is a big part of who you are.
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