Are you realistic in your expectations regarding your current job and your long-term career prospects?
“Our expectations serve us like a yardstick where we kind of measure people both ahead of time and after an event. We think we know what to expect of others and ourselves, so we check to see if all of that expectation is missed or met. What happens when our expectations are continuously missed? We turn grouchy, to start with. If our expectations are continually abused, it can become the catalyst of unrest and great unhappiness. We hate to be disappointed. The question is – Are your expectations realistic or are you a control freak? It’s good to be good, but it’s annoying to work with someone who wants to be perfect. Besides, it’s just not possible, so you could be unrealistic and also be a real pain in the backside.”
1. Are your expectations clear? “Sometimes we have them, but we can’t exactly pinpoint what they are. If you can get clear first, you can examine them more closely.”
2. How did you form your expectations? “We sometimes cook up expectations and fail to communicate them.”
3. Are your expectations consistent? “You’re confused and don’t know WHAT to expect. Time to ask.”
4. How do your goals compare to peers? “Make sure you know where the bar is set for your peers to see if it is within a reasonable range of your own.”
5. Are you properly communicating your expectations? “We often go about doing our work without really communicating what we need, when we need it, and what details go with it.”
6. Do you seek feedback? “Depending on your situation, you could do that with your boss; but if that isn’t an option, consider a respected mentor or peer.”
7. Are your expectations adversely affecting your work or career? “One sure way to know if your expectations are reasonable is if your work is being negatively impacted by someone else. It’s not unreasonable to expect others to meet quality, quantity, and deadlines as it relates to the work you do.”
