John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

June 13, 2011 - Issue 126  

 

Expectations - Whinny, Wishy-Washy or

Clear and Concise

*This is the second in a series on expectations.  Click here to view the previous issue.*  
Dear ,

John ImageWelcome to Issue 126.  If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.

 

CLARIFYING YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS

1.  STEP 1:  In any situation, first determine if you have a right to the expectation.  If you do, go to step 2.  If you don't, next week's issue will address this situation.

 

2.  STEP 2:  Be clear, be positive, be brief.

 

EXAMPLE:

Here is a good example.  You are the manager.  Jim is on your team.  He is habitually late for the Monday staff meeting.  Here are 3 possible conversations a manager could have:

 

1.  "Jim, it would be nice if you got here on time for the meetings."

 

2.  "Jim, you are always late and it is really bothering me.  It is rude.  It's really important to me that you are here on time.  Do you understand that?"

 

3.  "Jim, it's your responsibilty as a team player to be here when the meeting starts at 8 am."

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS EITHER A MANAGER OR THE STAFF PERSON?
 
1.  Has conversation #1 worked?  Probably not because it is passive, unclear, and wishy-washy.
  
2.  Has conversation #2 worked?  Probably not.  It's whinny.  It focuses on the manager's feelings  Doesn't it sound parental?
  
3.  Does conversation #3 work?  Yes, because it is clear and powerful.  It puts the responsibility on Jim and focuses on him, not the manager's feelings.  Conversation #3 shows you have confidence in Jim and you treat him with respect as an adult, not as a child. 
EXERCISE

1.  This week I invite mangers and others to use conversation #3.

 

2.  If you are a staff person and your manager starts conversation #1 or #2 with you, I invite you to jump in quickly and say "It's my responsibility.  You can count on me."

 

If I can be of any help to you in this or any other way, please let me know.

 

Comunication Skills Image 

 

"The art of communication

is the language of leadership."
 

-James Humes (Presidential Speechwriter)

 
REVISED:  JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses, is an attorney, and has practiced in the estate and business areas.  In addition, he coaches businesses owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons wanting to accelerate their careers or who are considering a career move or retirement.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**

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