The hidden power of clear expectations
The hidden power of clear expectations
5 minutes
Setting clear expectations is about painting a clear picture of success. This includes:
- How your team works together
- The behaviours that matter
- Well-defined outcomes that define good performance.
It’s not leaving things like objectives vague and hoping you are on the same page – it’s painting the picture of “this is what good looks like” so your people know what success looks like.
Most people start by asking, “What do I do?” If they don’t know, they hesitate, make assumptions, or feel lost.
Clear expectations act as guiding lights. They align teams, reduce misunderstandings and help everyone move in the same direction.
They also build accountability. When people know what’s expected, they take ownership of their results and you have a solid foundation for feedback, whether it’s to recognise great work or support improvement.
According to Gallup, just 46% of employees clearly know what is expected of them at work. That means half your team could be guessing what “good” looks like, and it’s no surprise that guesswork slows people down and creates frustration.
When teams have clear goals and expectations, they’re 43% more likely to deliver great results. Clarity doesn’t just make work smoother – it fuels performance. When people know what they’re aiming for, they bring more focus, creativity, and ownership.
You “paint the picture” of what a complete job looks like. That means defining deliverables, standards, and timelines so your team isn’t guessing.
Try Hellomonday’s 3 step framework to set clear expectations with your team.
