As I’ve been watching, learning, & living, I can say that one thing consistently shows up as a source of contention: the inability to help those around us manage their expectations.
Simply stated, this means that we’re not taking the time or energy necessary to effectively communicate. If we were communicating effectively: consistently, clearly, and with context; it would be easier for those around us to manage their expectations.
You might be thinking to yourself that it’s not your job to manage their expectations.
In part, you’re right-but not completely.
Think 🤔 back to any moment you’ve paid for a service. Maybe you paid to go to the doctor, bought a car, or even more simply- you bought a coffee or a meal at a restaurant. When you went in, you knew what you wanted. Let’s use the coffee example.
You enter into your local coffee shop. Look at the menu while someone behind the counter waits to take your order. Once you’ve decided what you’d like and how you’d like it, you share your order with the barista. They receive & input your order ACCURATELY. They relay to you how much your favorite coffee costs and you pay them.
While you wait for your order, you step aside so they can help the next person.
When it’s ready, they call your name or your number and hand you your coffee.
Sounds simple enough right? I agree.
It IS pretty simple but if either one of you didn’t understand the expectations of the interaction, one of you may be upset or dissatisfied.
That was an incredibly simple but relatable example, yet it serves the purpose. When people come to you for anything whether it’s friendship, family, at your job, or at home-> it’s helpful to:
- Be consistent (to build trust & reliability)
- Be clear (clarity prevents confusion)
- Listen & receive ACCURATELY
- Clarify if necessary (to avoid misunderstanding)
Why though?
If you don’t, then you set an expectation.
If you do, you set an expectation.
In closing, what are you communicating to others about what they should or should not expect from you?!
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