Expectations

In today's economic environment, business owners can find it difficult to manage employees without clear expectations. More seasoned workers have the skills but may lack the motivation to be as productive as the employer expects. Newer hires may be eager to learn and make up for a lack of skill, bringing more energy and productivity to the company. Long-term employees may be set in their work habits and less than willing to make changes.

Finding the right balance to keep productivity at its peak while maintaining high employee morale is a challenge for business owners. The market is flooded with people looking for work, but the dilemma is how qualified they are. One client had more than 100 applicants for a sales position, but felt only two were qualified for further consideration.

Delineating expectations can be time well spent for today's business owner. As part of a business plan, the company defines the roles and skills sets of personnel. This is incorporated into the hiring procedure for a variety of reasons: Does the candidate understand what is expected, and can the candidate fulfill those requirements?

If they can, the parameters are now set for the employment of that individual. The business owner has an accountability standard to enforce. The employee knows the performance standard. Ground rules are established.

An example of the importance of expectations is drawn to coaching a younger soccer official. She officiated a match where the parents became unruly and derided her management of the contest. She informed them she would halt the competition if they persisted in the harassment. They continued. She relented and did not stop the match, essentially giving up control and allowing the fans to control her. The advice to her was that you must enforce the guidelines you establish or they are worthless.