Manage expectations at work as a high performer. #career #growth

Introduction

In the professional landscape, effectively managing expectations is instrumental in distinguishing top performers from the rest. The ability to deliver what you promise, showcase risk awareness, and communicate effectively are key factors to sustaining a positive reputation in the workplace. Here’s a playbook on how to manage expectations like a top performer.

Deliver What You Promise

One of the hallmarks of a high performer is consistency and reliability. When you commit to tasks, ensure that you deliver exactly what you promise, neither underselling nor overdelivering unnecessarily. Being dependable breeds trust among your colleagues and supervisors, and this trust will bolster your reputation as a high performer.

To achieve this, make realistic commitments based on your capacity and the resources available to you. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and underperformance, which ultimately affects your standing in the workplace. Instead, prioritize quality over quantity, and ensure that your work is completed to a high standard.

Highlight Risks and Communicate Early

The second essential scenario in managing expectations involves understanding and communicating risks. When projects deviate from the initial plan, it’s crucial to highlight these changes and the potential implications they might have on the timeline and deliverables.

For instance, if unforeseen circumstances arise that affect your ability to meet a deadline, communicate this as early as possible. Provide an overview of the risks, what you’ve assessed regarding the situation, and your proposed solution or adjustment plan. This proactive communication helps set realistic expectations and maintains trust between you and your stakeholders.

Example: Managing Expectations During Deviations

Consider a situation where you're working on a critical project that has just encountered an unexpected challenge. Instead of trying to hide the issue or waiting until the deadline to inform others, reach out to your team or supervisor immediately.

You could say, "I wanted to update you on the project status. We've encountered a challenge that may affect our timeline. I’m assessing the situation and will provide a revised plan by tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding." This form of transparency not only reveals the obstacles but also shows that you are actively taking charge of the solution.

Conclusion

Managing expectations is not just about saying “yes” to every request. It involves consistent delivery and effective communication about risks and changes. By mastering these two aspects, you can enhance your performance and reputation as a reliable and proactive team member.

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Keywords

• Expectation management
• High performance
• Consistency
• Reliability
• Risk assessment
• Proactive communication
• Trust-building
• Stakeholder management

FAQ

Q1: What does it mean to manage expectations at work?
A: Managing expectations at work involves ensuring that your commitments are realistic and that you communicate effectively regarding any risks or changes that may arise throughout a project.

Q2: Why is consistency important for a high performer?
A: Consistency builds trust among colleagues and supervisors, establishing you as a reliable team member who can be counted on to deliver quality work.

Q3: How should I communicate when a project deviates from the plan?
A: Communicate early and transparently about the challenges you’re facing, explain the risks involved, and provide a plan for how you intend to address the issues.

Q4: Can overcommitting affect my performance?
A: Yes, overcommitting can lead to increased stress and burnout, often resulting in underperformance and missed deadlines, which can tarnish your reputation.

Q5: What are the traits of a top performer in expectation management?
A: Traits of a top performer include reliability, proactive communication, the ability to manage risks effectively, and maintaining a focus on quality work.