The first question in Gallup’s Q12 survey, “I know what is expected of me at work,” may seem simple, but it’s one of the most important aspects of effective leadership. When employees understand what’s expected of them, they feel more engaged and perform better. But for many new managers, ensuring this clarity can be a challenge, leading to unnecessary complications.
Most Common Mistakes New Managers Make:
- Assuming Everything is Understood: Managers often believe they’ve been clear but fail to confirm if their team has fully understood their expectations.
- Setting Vague Goals: Assigning broad, undefined tasks can leave employees unsure about their priorities.
- Skipping Regular Feedback: Without regular check-ins, it’s easy for team efforts to drift off course.
Negative Impacts of Unclear Expectations:
- Low Team Morale: Employees feel undervalued and disengaged if they’re unsure about their roles.
- High Staff Turnover: Talented workers may leave for organisations that offer clearer guidance.
- Wasted Time: Ambiguity can lead to duplicated efforts and inefficiency.
NASA’s Challenger disaster in 1986 is a well-known example of unclear communication and expectations. Miscommunication between teams and unclear decision-making processes contributed to the tragedy, highlighting the importance of clarity in leadership.
Top 4 Tips to Avoid These Mistakes:
- Be Clear and Simple: Communicate expectations in straightforward terms. Follow up by asking team members to repeat what they’ve understood to ensure alignment.
- Set SMART Goals: Focus on goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Clear objectives make it easier for everyone to stay on track.
- Have Regular One-on-Ones: These meetings help address concerns, track progress, and make necessary adjustments in real time.
- Model the Behaviour You Want to See: As a manager, reflect on your own habits. For example, if you want your team to focus on clarity, demonstrate this by being organised, transparent, and open to questions. This sets the tone for the team to follow.
Clear communication isn’t just a skill—it’s the foundation of effective leadership. When managers work on clarity and make it a daily practice, it leads to higher engagement, stronger morale, and better outcomes for the entire team.
Call to Action: If you’re new to management, start small. Reflect on how you currently set expectations and take intentional steps to improve.
If you’d like guidance to strengthen your leadership skills, connect with me. I can help you discover areas where support from mentors or coaching can make all the difference.