6 Ways to Set Clear Expectations for Your Staff

Every manager wants bright, switched-on workers keen to expand their knowledge, resolve problems and meet the company’s needs.

This never happens by accident. Clearly defined processes are necessary to find the right staff and help them reach full potential within their jobs.

Here are some tried-and-trusted ways to help employees meet your expectations.

1. Find the right worker for the right job

Personality and potential are key to finding the right candidates for your organisation.

Unlike skills, personalities cannot be acquired. A friendly, empathetic, caring, highly organised person with little experience can make a better receptionist for your team than a skilled and experienced professional with detached manner and an unwillingness to learn new things.

2. Establish an induction scheme

Forget deadly dull PowerPoint introductions which send new workers to sleep.

Provide small, personalised folders with essential information for each candidate. Dispense information in manageable ways with plenty of chances for involvement and feedback.

There’s no way staff will remember everything you tell them on the first day. The important thing is to make them feel welcome and eager to become a part of your friendly and inspiring team.

3. Define expectations and goals

Be very clear about what you expect from your staff. Workers will only know what you want if you tell them.

Be very specific about each employee’s role, responsibilities and duties, and define how each will work both individually and as part of the team. Scheduling 1-2-1s with other parts of the business can also help the candidate understand in more depth the roles and responsibilities of different teams/departments.

4. Educate workers in company culture

Every company has its own, unique set of values and beliefs. Educating staff about your ethics and requirements will help them meet the standards you set.

How do you want your company perceived in the community? How do you want your clients/customer to be treated? What sets you apart from the competition?

Unless you’re clear about company branding, staff won’t be able to meet important benchmarks regarding business practice.

5. Give and receive frequent feedback

Feedback is the lifeblood of any organisation. Unless information is freely exchanged between employer and employees, mistakes go unnoticed and problems get bottled up.

Don’t bog your company down with unresolved issues arising from poor communication.

Giving your staff regular performance feedback as well as listening to their ideas and opinions is a great way to deal with workplace challenges as they arise.

6. Provide ongoing training

Help staff perform to optimum level by offering on-the-job training in relevant areas of expertise.

Employees are far more likely to meet their job brief if they have the skills and tools to operate effectively.

Anything you can do to clarify and define expectations will help your staff find new and better ways of fulfilling their roles.

If you would like further guidance on setting expectations, or have a recruitment need, please contact one of our dedicated consultants.