I struggle with expectations. I constantly expect a lot from everyone, including myself and I’m consistently disappointed. I decided to write out my expectations so I thought I would share them.

I expect people to work when at work. I understand that there will be times when you have fun and talk at work but in the end, I expect you to work. I expect that you will use your time wisely. I expect you not to spend significant time surfing the web or playing games on the computer.
I expect that you can be competent in our core functional areas (whatever that may be for your company).
I expect you to act in a professional manner at all times.
I expect you to expand your knowledge.
I expect that if you use your time wisely that you can expand your knowledge while at work.
I expect you to be to work on time and to be available during core hours (again, whatever those may be for your company).
I expect that you will pursue professional certifications and that you can prepare for them outside of business hours.
I expect for you to try. I don’t expect perfection but I do expect an honest effort. If you need help ask for it but only after you have given an honest effort. I expect you to complete tasks in a timely manner. I expect for everyone to lead by example. I expect that you will do what you said you were going to do, when you said you would do it.

Now, looking back at these, I don’t think they are that high. Some people aren’t going to meet these (maybe their lazy or just don’t care). Most people will. I realized what I was consistently being disappointed by was not my expectations but by my standards. I have very high standards and I expect everyone else to as well. News flash - They DON’T!

People will consistently do just a good enough job not to get fired. Most people don’t go above and beyond to try to gain a better understanding or to do it 100% right. This is where I get most frustrated. I don’t know how to deal with this 100% yet but I’m learning. I’m learning to control myself a bit better. I’m learning to try and see what others are thinking. It doesn’t mean that I have to accept mediocrity but it does give me the chance to achieve teachable moments.