Leading Yourself: How to Set Expectations with Your Manager
G'day Humans! Mark LeBusque here
Let's talk about a topic that's close to my heart: leading yourself.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is all about meditation and mindfulness (though those are bloody important too!), let's get real. Leading yourself is about taking charge of your own growth, setting clear boundaries, and communicating your needs effectively—especially with your manager.
The Raw Strength of Self-Awareness:
Before you can lead others, you've gotta lead yourself. This means understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what truly makes you tick. It's about recognising your triggers, managing your emotions, and knowing when to push yourself and when to take a step back.
Why Set Expectations with Your Manager?
Let's face it, most workplace drama stems from mismatched expectations. Your manager might expect you to be available 24/7, while you're trying to prioritise your family time.
Or maybe they expect you to be a mind-reader, while you're struggling to understand their vague instructions.
Setting clear expectations is like drawing a line in the sand. It helps you:
- Avoid misunderstandings and conflict: When everyone's on the same page, there's less room for miscommunication and frustration.
- Build trust and respect: Open and honest communication fosters a stronger working relationship.
- Increase autonomy and ownership: When your manager knows your boundaries and preferences, they're more likely to empower you to make decisions and take ownership of your work.
- Reduce stress and burnout: Clear expectations help you prioritise your workload and protect your well-being.
How to Have the Conversation:
- Choose the right time and place: Don't ambush your manager in the hallway or fire off a demanding email. Schedule a dedicated time to chat, preferably in person or via video call (worst case scenario).
- Start with self-awareness: Before the meeting, reflect on your own needs, priorities, and working style. What are your non-negotiables? What are you hoping to achieve?
- Be clear and specific: Don't beat around the bush. Clearly articulate your expectations around communication, workload, feedback, and any other relevant areas.
- Focus on collaboration: This isn't about dictating terms; it's about finding solutions that work for both of you. Be open to compromise and feedback.
- Document the agreement: Once you've reached an understanding, summarise the key points in writing (an email is fine) to avoid any confusion down the track.
Example Conversation Starters:
- "I've been working on improving my work-life balance, and I'd like to discuss how we can best manage communication outside of work hours."
- "I'm keen to take on more responsibility, but I need clear expectations and support to ensure I can succeed."
- "I value your feedback, and I'd appreciate it if we could schedule regular check-ins to discuss my progress and any areas for improvement."
The Ongoing Journey:
Setting expectations is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. As you grow and evolve, your needs and priorities will change. Don't be afraid to revisit the conversation with your manager and adjust your expectations as needed.
Remember:
- Lead with empathy: Put yourself in your manager's shoes and consider their perspective.
- Be respectful but assertive: Don't be afraid to stand up for your needs, but do so in a professional and constructive manner.
- Focus on solutions: Work together to find solutions that benefit both you and the team.
By taking the initiative to set clear expectations with your manager, you'll not only create a more positive and productive working relationship, but you'll also demonstrate your commitment to self-leadership and personal growth. And that, my friends, is the foundation for becoming a truly effective leader.
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