The Power of Positive Expectations- Catalyst for Driving High Performance

The Power of Positive Expectations - Catalyst for Driving High Performance

Developing and Sustaining a High Performance Culture has always been a key objective for Team Leaders and HR function in any Corporate.  It is also a key aspect of Strategic Leadership to achieve High Operational Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction.  

In my professional life of almost 25 years, I have found time and again that the self actualisation achievements were more powerful and important than the monitory and hierarchical gains. To this effect one particular  Strategy which worked very well in majority of cases was “The Power of Positive Expectations”, driving high performance from individuals and teams. 

Unfortunately the word “Expectation” carries a negative persona, the general impression is that it is more about creating a false or unreasonable pressure on individual including or self that becomes a reason for dissatisfaction, demotivation and frustration.

I strongly believe that there is definitely a brighter side of “Positive Expectations” which remains untapped for the reasons stated above. 

So How does it work? How leaders and managers can effectively utilise the Power of Positive Expectations to drive high performance. 

The fundamental force behind this strategy lies in one very basic characteristic of human psychology- 

“Most of the time People delivers to their Assumed of Projected Reputation”, or in simple words 

“People Perform to the Expectations”, here the most important point one should remember- the expectation should be little stretched (to push the limits) and can be created by individual himself or by someone who really matters. 

I will refer two quotes shared here which summaries the whole point: 

“The quality of our expectations determines the quality of our action.” -A. Godin-

and

“Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.” -Stephen R. Covey-

How to effectively apply the “Power of Positive Expectation” in a corporate environment, quite simple-

Just let the individual or team know (without any ambiguity) what they will or can deliver or capable of achieving. This should be done with a realistic assessment with visible element of trust and appreciation. This should be consciously done in private (personal) as well as public (during team or department meetings) levels.

Also, It is equally important that message is given by someone who matters I.e. Manager or Leader and also in front of those whose appreciation and acknowledgement would matter (team, department etc).

Besides giving a moral boost, the fundamental element which pushes high performance is the sense of self belief and confidence which surface due to trust shown by someone who has got the reputation and acceptanc. This creates a kind of 

POSITIVE PULL-MOTIVATION IN INDIVIDUAL/ TEAMS TO PUSH / STRETCH THEIR CAPABILITIES/ EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS , WHICH HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED & ASSIGNED (MAINTAIN THE REPUTATION/ IMAGE CREATED THROUGH ECPECTATIONS).

The psychological pressure drives that EXTRA EFFORT & FOCUS which result in high performance delivery. Someone aptly said

“THE HEIGHT OF YOUF FLIGHT ✈️ IS DETERMINED BY THE MIGHT OF YOUR THOUGHTS....”

In nutshell “Positive Expectations Increases the Might of our Thoughts”, the only precondition remains - right intent & realistic assessment...

Your views and feedback are most welcome ..