Expectations are clear, honest communication about what will happen, when, and why—without artificial urgency, manipulation, or false promises.
Setting Good Expectations
Be Clear:
- What will happen
- When it will happen
- Who will do what
- How it will work
Be Honest:
- Realistic timelines
- Genuine capabilities
- Real limitations
- Actual processes
Be Consistent:
- Follow through reliably
- Communicate changes
- Maintain standards
- Build predictability
What To Avoid
- Artificial urgency
- False scarcity
- Overpromising
- Vague commitments
- Unrealistic timelines
Why It Matters
Good expectations:
- Build trust
- Enable planning
- Reduce anxiety
- Create confidence
- Support partnership
Bad expectations:
- Erode trust
- Create frustration
- Generate resistance
- Damage relationships
- Prevent partnership
Under-promise and over-deliver beats over-promise and under-deliver every time.