233. Don’t Hold Secret Expectations: Why Clarity Builds High-Performing Teams
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “They should know better” about someone on your team, this episode is for you.In today’s episode I break down a trap that many founders and managers fall into: holding secret expectations—unspoken rules that frustrate you when broken but were never actually communicated in the first place.Whether it’s scheduling mid-day appointments, not replying fast enough, or showing up unprepared to meetings, these invisible standards hurt performance, erode trust, and create unnecessary team drama.I share real-world examples from my HR consulting work, explain why this dynamic happens (even to the best leaders), and give you a step-by-step guide to setting clear, kind, and actionable team operating procedures that support accountability without micromanaging.What You’ll Learn:What “secret expectations” are and how they quietly show up in teamsThe real reason you get frustrated with employees who should know betterHow to turn unspoken assumptions into documented team normsWhy clear operating procedures are essential for scaling effectivelyA framework to reset expectations without eroding trustHow to reflect on your own leadership habits and start freshStay Connected:Connect with me on LinkedinNeed some HR consulting in your business? Check out our services