Masonry Magazine September 2001 Page. 26
GREAT EXPECTATIONS/continued from page 24
what you expect may come to pass. You can apply this simple principle each and every day of your life. If you believe in the potential of people around you and you'd like to harness their abilities toward high achievement, here are a number of steps you should take right now:
Understand how you influence people. Whether you realize it or not, you communicate your expectations to other people right now. Offhand comments, subtle gestures, even two- or three-word phrases written in the margins of reports, for instance, all convey powerful messages to other people. Frown at a colleague when he's reporting a problem and you may convey an expectation of mistrust or displeasure. Nod your head in affirmation, on the other hand, and you may well convey your belief in your colleague's ability and confidence in her actions. Take a mental inventory of all the subtle and not-so subtle techniques you employ to influence others right now - and keep them in mind as you learn how to more effectively communicate your expectations in the future.
Determine what you expect from others. You may expect different results from different people. You might, for instance, expect low prices and superior quality from an individual who is selling you a product. You may expect improved communications from a superior. You may expect higher output from a co-worker or subordinate. All of these expectations involve quality and achievement. But on a day-to-day basis, these expectations must be manifested in specific accomplishments. Decide what those accomplishments should be and you'll be well on your way toward harnessing the potential of those around you.
Determine how your expectations are being fulfilled right now. Chances are that people around you perform and behave in predictable ways most of the time. By establishing a "baseline" - a measure of performance and behavior that you're observing right now you'll set up a standard against which you can monitor performance improvements in the future.
Compliment others when they meet your expectations. When you notice other people striving for excellence - and meeting your expectations compliment them. Whether you're dealing with prompt attendance, accuracy in reports, enhanced communication, or any one of hundreds of other positive business qualities, remember that words, gestures and symbols which praise others will help turn good performance into permanent performance. (more on page 28)
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26 MASONRY SEPTEMBER, 2001