How to manage expectations and set boundaries
People are less engaged at work when they do not have a clear understanding of what's required of them.
As a manager you want your team to work like a well-oiled machine, with everyone pulling in the same direction. Having blurred lines when it comes to expectations, job responsibilities, communication, or other areas of work, can be stressful and frustrating. That’s why for business success and your team’s happiness, it’s important to manage expectations and set boundaries.
Reduce confusion
Every team member is an individual with unique skills, so as a manager let them know your expectations of them clearly and simply. This will help them understand the importance of their role and how their responsibilities impact colleagues and the business.
Eliminating or reducing confusion increases the chance of them being successful in achieving both the goals set for them, as well as those for the business. Regardless of remote or office working, having regular discussions with team members is key to review individual and team performance, goals and how they are feeling about things in general.
Establish a healthy work-life balance
Setting boundaries helps to establish a healthy work-life balance. It also ensures that people have the information and guidance they need to perform to the best of their ability. Clarifying what is your responsibility and what is someone else’s, can help you to stay happy, focused and able to function more effectively.
Establishing and sharing some ground rules around roles, behaviours, values, responsibilities, relationships, communications, work hours, protocol for handling out of hours emails/calls, meetings, goals, flexible working, feedback etc. means everyone is aware of where they stand at work.
Resolve conflict
It’s important to stress here that this is a two-way process. Encouraging team members to express their concerns and share ideas, while you listen and understand their perspective helps resolve any possible areas of conflict or disagreement. Greater clarity and openness helps manage everyone’s expectations.
Encourage growth and development
Managing expectations and having boundaries in place can help to:
Reduce misunderstandings and disagreements
Create a positive culture where everyone’s views are respected
Increase employee connection, engagement and satisfaction
Improve structure and processes
Make more time for achieving a better work/life balance
Increase efficiencies and levels of productivity
Achieve deadlines, objectives and goals
If you’d like some help to manage expectations and set boundaries for your team, please get in touch. I can support you through bespoke one-to-one coaching, or development programmes, enabling you, your team and your business to develop and grow.