The majority of content on expectation is about clarifying expectations. We are told to over-communicate, to talk about expectations until we’re exhausted and then our people are just starting to get it. But why is clarifying expectations so difficult? The reality is not because we can’t clarify it, or hear it, it’s that the process of how we set expectations is off. We don’t need to talk more, we need to change the process.

The only way expectations will be clear is if they are mutually agreed upon expectations. When expectations are set together, they’re mutually owned instead of clarified and enforced. By working through a process of mutually agreed upon expectations you not only create greater clarity, but you also know on the front end when someone won’t be a fit for the team. If you have to force expectations you know you’ll be enforcing them against their desire which never has positive outcomes which gives you a heads up to start an exit interview before the culture has eroded.