You’ve carefully built an experienced team of industry professionals with all the right training and skills. How do you help them reach their maximum potential? Team-building skills and management consulting services are worthwhile investments, but few elements of your workplace are as important as setting clear expectations with measurable standards of success. Below are a few strategies to implement and some common mistakes to avoid when setting expectations for your workers.

Do:

Articulate expectations to yourself.

Before trying to discuss your expectations with your team, write them down for yourself. This will help you identify hazy areas and recognize contradictions that might confuse or frustrate staff members.

Understand where your team could improve.

If your team isn’t performing as well as it should, try to understand why. Perhaps there are interoffice communication issues, or maybe a single department is slowing everyone else down. A management consulting professional can help pinpoint the issue and develop realistic expectations to address them.

Don’t:

Make expectations moving targets.

You might have solid reasons for adjusting deadlines or changing sales goals, but you run the risk of decreasing engagement if you don’t explain why. Making sure your staff understands why an expectation has to be changed will make them feel part of the process and keep them engaged.

Skip the conversation.

When implementing or adjusting expectations, sit down with your staff for a two-way conversation. This will give you the chance to clearly explain what you and the company expect from each team member and answer any questions staff might have.

 

Whether you’re revamping your management style or building a new team, Yancey Consulting offers in-depth expertise to help maximize results and increase your chances of success. Lori Yancey’s expert management consulting services have helped St. Louis, MO, businesses increase employee engagement, productivity, and client satisfaction. Visit the website for more on her management consulting services, follow her Facebook for updates and tips, and call (314) 614-7542 now to discuss your needs and make an appointment.