Expectation as defined by the Encarta dictionary means anticipation of something happening. An expectation can make or break you. You might be pleasantly surprised with its outcome or most likely horribly disappointed.
Your anticipated result is self-imposed and its success depends much on your communication, how realistic the prospect is and if the variables are outside of or in your control. Of course, in a work environment, negative results can be the grounds for being fired or a promotion if they are positive. It is appropriate for a superior, in this realm, to have expectations as long as they are fair and they meet the criteria of the subordinate’s position. In today’s world, it is probable that such expectations are unrealistic and go beyond the scope of job descriptions.
Appropriate or not, it is human nature to set expectations on others. When you do this, you are setting yourself up for failure. You’re gambling and as most gamblers know, the odds are not in your favor when your expectations involve others.
There isn’t anything wrong with holding onto the belief that others will give their best to you but the more appropriate hope is that you will give your best to the world and respond to whatever others give you in the most favorable way.
A successful expectation is one that is imposed by you upon yourself; this you can control!
Open your eyes each day with the burning desire to give your best to the world. The next time you find yourself imposing an expectation upon another, think carefully and save yourself the gamble, their success or failure is out of your control.
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