Navigating the Expectation Reality Gap (ERG) leads us to an essential stage: Agreement on Appropriateness. This step revolves around gaining mutual consensus on whether certain expectations are reasonable and achievable. It’s a vital process to ensure that everyone involved is in sync and committed.
The key to this step is ensuring that all parties agree that the set expectations are appropriate. This agreement forms the backbone of a successful and harmonious outcome, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or community engagements.
Biblical Insight
Amos 3:3 asks, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” This verse highlights the importance of agreement and unity in any partnership or collaborative effort. It suggests that for any two entities to move forward together effectively, there must be a shared understanding and agreement on the path they are taking.
The Pitfall of Unilateral Expectations
A personal experience illustrates the potential issues when mutual agreement is not sought. In a previous role, my manager set an ambitious project deadline without consulting the team. Although the expectation was communicated, there was no discussion about its feasibility. The team, feeling overwhelmed and unheard, struggled to meet the deadline, leading to frustration and burnout.
This situation could have been avoided if the manager had sought the team’s input and reached a mutual agreement on a realistic deadline. The lack of consensus on the appropriateness of the expectation created a disconnect between the manager’s goals and the team’s capacity.
5 Steps to Ensuring Mutual Agreement
- Involve All Parties in the Discussion: Before setting expectations, involve everyone who will be affected. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.
- Openly Discuss Feasibility: Encourage an open discussion about the realism and attainability of the expectations. Consider all viewpoints and constraints.
- Seek Confirmation: After discussing, explicitly ask for agreement from all parties. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinion.
- Be Willing to Adjust: If there is significant disagreement, be prepared to modify the expectations. Finding a middle ground may be necessary for collective success.
- Reiterate the Agreed Expectations: Once an agreement is reached, restate the expectations to confirm everyone is clear and on the same page.
Achieving mutual agreement on the appropriateness of expectations is crucial for any successful endeavor. It ensures that everyone is aligned and committed to the same goals. In our ERG series, the next step will explore planning for unmet expectations, preparing us to handle situations when things don’t go as planned.
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