Can you imagine going into work and everything is all over the place? People are getting hired but then left in the dark. The CEO complains nothing is getting done and wants to clean house. But there’s a slight problem. Expectations were not laid out from the get-go. I mean imagine living in a house with no floor….. Ewww, gross. Like you need a good floor unless you want to live in the dirt. Ok, so what I'm trying to get at is that you have to have things laid out and communicated from the beginning. Because not, things get messed up and people leave, or the CEO wants to throw everything away. Yes, I have seen this, but we have to do better.
Bruce started his business, and he had one goal in mind and that was to build something that made a great impact. Not only for him but for everyone involved. He sat down every morning, with his coffee, going through every detail from branding to customer service. After many mornings and many nights, his business was growing therefore, so did his team. But sadly, with this growth came unexpected challenges. Deadlines were missed, communication was in the void and there was so much frustration. So Bruce started his business, and it grew, which is what you want right, but something was missing. The people he hired were talented and hardworking but not as he thought, so why was this going on?
The answer was simple: expectations.
The Foundation of a Strong Team | Setting Expectations as a Business Owner
Much like that house that needs floor, a business needs clearly defined expectations. Without them, things fall apart. Bruce took a step back and realized he had never actually outlined what he expected from his team. He assumed they would “just know” what to do. But assumptions don’t build strong teams—clarity does.
How to Set and Maintain Expectations
Bruce decided to reset his approach. Instead of assuming, he laid everything out clearly. Here’s how he did it:
Define the Role Expectations Clearly – Each team member received a detailed job description outlining responsibilities and performance metrics. (This should happen before you hire)
Communicate Expectations Early and Often – Instead of addressing issues reactively, Bruce set expectations and revisited them regularly.
Lead by Example – He made sure his own work ethic, communication, and commitment matched what he expected from his team.
Provide Regular Feedback – Open and honest discussions helped clarify expectations and allowed employees to voice concerns before small issues became big problems.
Create a System of Accountability – Deadlines, check-ins, and tracking tools made sure expectations weren’t just words but actions.
The Benefits of Clear Expectations
When Bruce implemented these changes, something amazing happened. His team felt more confident in their roles. They understood their responsibilities, which reduced stress and increased productivity.
The workplace environment improved because there was less confusion and more focus. Clear expectations didn’t just benefit Bruce—they empowered his employees.
How to Set Clear Expectations
For any leader, setting expectations goes beyond telling employees what to do. It’s about aligning personal and business goals, making sure employees feel valued, and creating an environment where they can thrive. Some key areas to cover include:
Work hours and availability
Project deadlines and priorities
Communication protocols
Performance and growth expectations
Team collaboration guidelines
Employee Communication Expectations
One of Bruce's biggest takeaways was that expectations mean nothing without communication. He established clear guidelines on:
Response times for emails and messages
Preferred methods of communication (Slack, email, meetings)
Meeting protocols (how often, purpose, and follow-ups)
Conflict resolution and feedback loops
By setting these standards, he eliminated the “I didn’t know” excuse and created a workplace where transparency was the norm.
Employee Expectations Checklist
To help other business owners avoid the struggles she faced, we created a simple checklist:
✔ Clearly define job roles and responsibilities
✔ Communicate expectations from day one
✔ Set performance goals and review them regularly
✔ Foster open dialogue and encourage feedback
✔ Lead by example and hold yourself accountable
✔ Provide employees with the tools they need to succeed
✔ Check in regularly to reinforce expectations
✔ Adapt and refine expectations as the business grows
Clear Expectations Can Transform Your Business
With these changes, Bruce's business improved drastically. Projects were completed on time, employees felt more engaged, and overall team morale was through the roof. He learned expectations aren’t about creating pressure—they’re about providing clarity. And with clarity comes success.
If you’re struggling with miscommunication, missed deadlines, or workplace frustrations, take a page from Bruce's book. Set clear expectations, communicate them effectively, and watch how your team transforms for the better.
Want something like this for your business? You can explore the services that will help you create the transformation you’ve been looking for!
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