Many years ago, in the early days of my career, I found myself in a puzzling situation. A situation that taught me to understand the importance of expectations. I was a young and motivated employee, eager to prove myself and make a positive impact. It was only my third month at a company where monthly competitions were the norm, with various goals and targets to be met.

During one particular month, I participated in a competition that I felt confident about. I put in the effort, focused on the goals, and ultimately, secured second place for the entire month. I was thrilled! The first few weeks at the company had been challenging, so this success story meant a lot to me. I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment, believing that my hard work had been recognized.

Little did I know what was coming next.

The Confusing Feedback

I had a catch-up meeting with my manager, and he began by congratulating me on my achievement. He presented me with the prize – three vouchers for dinners at restaurants of my choice. Wow! I was ecstatic, feeling valued and appreciated for my efforts.

But my excitement was short-lived. My manager then proceeded to tell me that my performance was not up to par, that I needed to improve, and that I was not meeting expectations. My initial confusion quickly turned to frustration and disappointment. How could I be both successful and failing at the same time? How was I supposed to reach my goals when the expectations were unclear and the feedback was contradictory?

The Impact of Unclear Expectations

This experience with mixed feedback highlighted the detrimental impact of unclear expectations, role ambiguity, and misaligned goals. When employees are not given clear guidance on what is expected of them, it can lead to:

• Frustration and demotivation: Employees feel confused, discouraged, and unsure how to succeed.
• Reduced productivity: Without clear goals and expectations, employees might misdirect their efforts or struggle to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Increased stress and anxiety: The uncertainty and pressure of unclear expectations can lead to increased stress and anxiety, impacting employee well-being.
• Damaged relationships: Miscommunication and misaligned expectations can strain relationships between employees and managers, creating a tense and unproductive work environment.

The Importance of Clear Communication

This experience taught me the crucial role of clear communication in the workplace. Managers have a responsibility to:

• Set clear expectations: Clearly communicate expectations, goals, and performance standards to their team members.
• Provide regular feedback: Offer regular and constructive feedback, both positive and negative, to help employees understand their performance and areas for improvement.
• Create a supportive environment: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification.
• Invest in training: Provide training and development opportunities to help employees develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

The Role of Leadership

Effective leadership is not just about setting goals and delegating tasks; it’s about creating a clear and supportive environment where employees can thrive. It’s about communicating expectations clearly, providing regular feedback, and fostering a culture of open communication and trust.

When leaders prioritize clear communication and invest in their team’s development, they create a more engaged, productive, and fulfilling work experience for everyone.

Reflecting on Your Leadership

So, as a leader, I encourage you to reflect on your own communication style and the clarity of your expectations. Ask yourself:

• Are my expectations clear and well-defined?
• Do I provide regular and constructive feedback to my team members?
• Do I create a space where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification?
• Am I investing in my team’s development and providing them with the resources they need to succeed?

By prioritising clear communication and creating a supportive work environment, you can empower your team to achieve their full potential and contribute to the success of your organisation.

Ultimately, this experience was one of the reasons why I chose to leave the company, the straw that broke the camel’s neck. Be sure to create an environment in which everyone feels engaged and motivated, it’s not rocket science.

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