Expecting Top Performance

Someone once said "Not Failure, but low aim, is crime". The simple idea is that setting low expectations is worse than setting high expectations and not succeeding. Let me ask you a question, have you ever attempted something (could be work, personal or a sport, etc.) and you go in thinking you are not going to do well . . . and guess what you . . . you accomplish just that! I am a big believer in positive thinking, but more importantly, I am a big believer in setting high standards and expectations.

One takeaway I had earlier in my career was having a conversation with a respected leader who said "dont think about incrementally growing the business but think about doubling and tripling the business". I use this thought every day, because bottom line, you think and act differently when you are planning to double or triple your business versus growing incrementally. You will try things that might not work, but you will also try new and innovative things that will work! The latter is the reward for thinking BIG and setting higher expectations.

Be sure and involve your team in setting standards that are achievable, but also require them to stretch their knowledge and skills. Remember that regardless of what you say, it is the performance you are willing to accept that becomes your true standard.

There is a difference between expectations and commitment. You may commit to a lower level as this is an obligation, but you can surely expect to achieve more!

The competition is out there and they might be setting higher expectations.

For you leaders, make sure you walk the talk -- earn the right to hold others to high standards by meeting them yourself! Are you setting high expectations?