A Quick Thought on Expectations

We've worked very hard to make our school operate based on expectations rather than rules and regulations. This idea applies not only to our students but also to our faculty and staff. Perhaps that is why the following quote really jumped out at me and I felt compelled to share it here.


I'm reading a great little leadership book right now called Get-Real Leadership by Harry S. Campbell. In it, Campbell says, "...if you expect the best from your employees and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it." This is not a new idea and it's not rocket science, but it is packed with meaning. For example, this strategy means that you must communicate expectations clearly and then provide positive feedback when you see others meeting those expectations. This strategy reminds us that people respond better to affirmation of good behavior than to chastisement for undesirable behavior. This strategy only works when the leader remains actively engaged on a daily basis and remains and visible enough to observe desired behaviors.

How can this idea be put to use in your school, office, classroom, gym, etc.? Let's replace a few key words in the statement and you'll see:

• If you expect the best from your students and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it
• If you expect the best from your seniors and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it
• If you expect the best from your department chairs and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it
• If you expect the best from your mentor teachers and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it
• If you expect the best from your new hires and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it
• If you expect the best from your booster club parents and praise them when they're giving you what you expect, you'll get more of it

We could go on and on, but you get the idea. Expectations, communication, positive feedback - what a great combination.