I had a light bulb moment several months ago when a mentor told me about this one very important thing about relationships, may they be on a personal or professional reference -- SETTING EXPECTATIONS is the first step to harmony.
A lot of us always assume that everyone around us behaves or thinks the way we do.
I did.
I have always thought that I was a very transparent person and that my actions or few words could have encapsulated the things that I would have wanted to express, carried out or what-not. I almost always relied on a basic assumption that people operate on the same common sense and should therefore, act in one general direction.
I was wrong.
Common sense may not be common after all. One's judgment on things may be entirely different from another and this could stem from a lot of factors like upbringing, their environment, among others.
For example, I had this discussion with a friend on mobile phones and technology. For him, it was common sense that you have to revert every missed call you had because it is equally important and urgent. For me, however, I believed that IF it was important and urgent and I missed it, it is common sense to send an SMS about its gravity. He could be right and I could be wrong.
This little eureka moment of setting expectations actually did wonders to my interface with people. Spoken words, ergo, communicating, indeed did wonders. First, it sets a clear pace and environment for everyone; second, it eliminates the cause of misunderstanding, false assumptions and disappointments as well.
All is well when it begins well.
xx,
Corporate Junkie
This post is for my InstaCC 021113 challenge -- light bulb. Add me on Instagram -- Username: Corporate Junkie
