Establishing Expectations with your Manager
How do you go about establishing mutual expectations with your own manager?
I agree with the importance of focusing on effective communication. This is a skill that is essential for people in order to convey their ideas successfully. It is quite beneficial for students to spend time focusing on improving both written and verbal communication skills.
By understanding first her expectations of me concerning my position. I then get clarity on deadlines. I try to also understand the tasks she has and how my job may effect her reports and deadlines.
Understanding what she has to accomplish gives me a better insight of why my position has to be done completely and thoroughly. Paperwork is crucial to the accrediting body.
Katrena,
this is so true & we must both be willing to truly listen to one another.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Communication is a two way street and to be effective the speaker and listener must be willing to do their part. You listen for information and not simply to respond.
Shelly,
this is an excellent point. If we enter meetings or conversations unwilling to listen, we will get what we want--nothing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am open minded, and a good communicator. I believe that my brain soaks up more information when I am open minded about the subject! Too many times I have gone into a meeting not wanting to hear the information.....and I didn't!
I usually begin with verbal communication. It seems more practical for me to get an assessment this way. I then have an idea of the expectations that could help both, my manager and myself, be more efficient in our efforts. Last, I present the expectations on paper to more openly discuss them and adjust them if necessary. Like most others have stated, communication is key.
cindy,
this is a great approach & strategy--don't let the issues simmer or they become roaring fires.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We meet on a weekly and a daily basis on any issues. We do not wait for a one on one meeting we keep on top of things as they arise and we work together to get a game plan set. We realize chain of command and we respect it.
Linda,
this is a great point & highlights the value of communication & also both parties being open & honest. Your steps show your president that you want to work with him & help him be successful too.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe that clear and honest communication is key. I have had a recent experience with a new campus president whereby his expectations are different from previous presidents. As well, the tasks that he is assigning and reporting style is unfamiliar to me. I honestly expressed to him my need for support in learning how to give him what he needed and he was very open and receptive to that honesty. I do consider his role here and his background compared to mine, and I have found that clear, concise, and honest communication is working well. There is still more I need to learn however about how to best work with him and give him what he needs as he too has superiors that make demands on him. So that has to be considered as well. It continues to be a learning process but keeping the doors open to communication is key for continued success.
Marc,
this is a good idea as this way you can say that you've communicated your plan.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have the except situation with my manager. Because I get little direction or feedback, I email my plan in order to get documentation. Whether or not I get a response I know I am communicating my plan before it is set into action.
guadalupe,
this is a great example of how positive these expectation setting meetings can & should be.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Communication is key. I recently just came back to work from a LOA and on my return I was given a new position and had a new manager. I was able to meet with my new manager and set goals and expectations in writing. The meeting definately cleared up many questions that I had and made my transition into the new position smooth.
Chris,
yes, communication channels must be clear & open with messages flowing both directions.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Totally agree. I have had jobs in the past where the communication was either vague or non existent. It makes it very difficult to engage with management. The frustration can in fact rise so high, that there might not be any communication.
Susana,
these are great points to remember. It is especially important that we check on the agreement on the key ideas & points as that can be disastrous if we don't.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
communication is a major key in establishing an effective relationship with your manager.Communicating with your manager may be tricky at times, but if you Develop a better understanding of your manager's viewpoints,
Check for agreement on critical points,
Continue to build trust and rapport,and
Verify or clarify information, you will establish a mutual expectation.
