Set them up for success: The power of clear expectations
Great buildings don’t just appear out of nowhere - they start with a solid, detailed plan. Builders can’t just work off an idea; they need clear blueprints and a step-by-step approach to make sure everything comes together properly. Without a clear plan, the whole project can go off track.
The same goes for building a focused, successful business. Visionary leaders can’t do it all on their own. While having a strong vision is important, it’s how you turn that vision into practical plans and clear expectations that determines if your team will thrive or struggle.
Why both vision and a plan matter
Having a roadmap is key. It lays out the milestones and deliverables that guide the team’s work. But even with a clear direction, one thing can still be unclear: how you’re going to get there.
When you combine a clear direction with specific expectations for how your team should show up - how they work together, communicate, and tackle challenges you create a purposeful, positive culture. This culture helps boost your chances of success and strengthens your brand identity.
And the best part? Your unique edge becomes obvious, not just to you, but to your team and customers too. In a competitive market, this clarity is what helps you stand out.
The challenge for visionary leaders: turning ideas into action
One of the trickiest things for visionary leaders is turning their big ideas into clear, actionable plans. When you’ve been sitting with an idea for ages, it starts to feel obvious to you. But to your team? Not so much.
If you’re not actively sharing your thought process and explaining the why behind your ideas, you’re not really setting them up for success. It’s easy to assume that everyone sees the vision the same way you do, but your team can’t read your mind. If you’re not communicating clearly, they’ll be left in the dark about what you really need from them.
Setting expectations from the start
This problem also shows up with new hires. The start of their journey with your company is when you set them up for success by giving them clear expectations from day one.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Reflect on what you need: Think about the behaviours, outcomes, and values that will drive success for both the individual and the team. Be clear on these before you start communicating.
What does "good" look like? Be specific about what success looks like, how you want things done, how results will be measured, and what quality looks like.
Know how they best receive info: Everyone processes things differently. Take the time to understand how each person prefers to receive feedback and direction. The more you can tailor your approach, the better.
Build regular check-ins into your routine: Set up catch-ups to monitor progress, keep expectations fresh, and ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Conclusion
Just like building a house, building a business needs both a clear plan and clear expectations for how your team will work together to get there. As a leader, you can’t leave things to chance. By actively communicating your expectations and ensuring they’re understood, you give your team the best chance of success and keep the business moving in the right direction.
When your vision is supported by a culture that aligns with those expectations, the path to success becomes much clearer for you, your team, and your customers.
Ready to put this into action?
Take 10 minutes this week to look at a project, process, or person on your team and ask yourself:
Have I been clear about what ‘good’ looks like here?
If the answer is “maybe” or “not really” - that’s your opportunity. Clarify it. Share it. And watch how much smoother things start to run.
