“How to Manage Expectations”
One of the most challenging aspects of our ministry is trying to fulfill people’s expectations. Whether these expectations come from the people we serve, fellow teammates or our supervisors, if we aren’t careful, we can fill our day trying to make everyone else happy!
- You will never be fully aware of people’s expectations.
Someone once said, “Expectations are future resentments!” When people expect certain things from us and we don’t respond the way they think we should, they can resent us. Negotiating people’s expectations is like walking through a mine field; one wrong step and things tend to blow up.
- You can never meet everyone’s expectations.
Trying to please everyone is an impossible task, especially if those expectations are unrealistic or not communicated to us. Those who try often wrestle with either burn out or discouragement. We have to resist the temptation of being a people-pleaser at the expense of the God-given ministry we are responsible for.
- Saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to something more important.
In order to stay energized and focused in ministry, we must first learn to say “no” to a need, even if it is a legitimate one. However, learning the difference between legitimate needs and the most important needs that you need to give your attention to, will help you best manage your time and energy.
Below are four common responses to expectations:
Response #1: Dump
This is an expectation that is proper and that you are the right person to fulfill that expectation, but instead you dump it on someone else.
- “I don’t care who does it or how it gets done.”
- Not taking responsibility for it
- Removing your name from it
- No training or assistance given
- No follow up given
- It never gets on your plate
Response #2: Deflect
This is an expectation that is unrealistic and improper to have been placed upon you. To deflect an expectation is to help the person either adjust their expectation or have them find the right person who might fulfill their expectation.
- “I’m not the right person for this but I’ll point you to the right person who is.”
- Never assuming responsibility
- Never putting your name on it
- No training or assistance needed
- No follow up needed
- It never gets on your plate
Response #3: Do
This assumes, again, that the expectation is proper and that you are the right person for that expectation. However, before we take on an expectation our self, we have to make sure we truly are the only ones who can help or fulfill that expectation.
- “I’ll do it myself”
- Taking on the full responsibility yourself
- Keeping your name on it
- No training or assistance sought
- No follow up needed
- On your plate
Response #4: Delegate
This is an expectation that is appropriate but in order to meet it will require other people. Mobilizing the body for service is far more advantageous than fulfilling the expectation our self. To delegate means we still accept full responsibility but involve others in the process.
- “I’ll find and equip someone to do it.”
- Sharing the responsibility
- Keeping your name on it
- Training and assistance offered
- Much follow up given
- You keep it on your plate