High Expectations –
The Key to Continuous Improvement
April 2006
If "they're doing the best they can" is something you frequently say about the people you're leading, you can be sure of two things: it's not true and you have a huge opportunity.
High expectations are often difficult to implement when we see that people are really trying hard or working long hours. But the continuous improvement process only thrives when someone has the courage to look more deeply at what's possible and is willing to challenge people in the right way. The right way, of course, is with straightforward honest dialogue about what's working and what's not working, with the dignity and value of the person maintained at all times. This work often begins with ourselves: We need to identify where we stop short of engaging people in their next breakthrough. If we don't continue to improve our own approach to leadership, everyone sees us setting the tone of "good enough."
So how are high expectations implemented effectively? Here's the approach we've seen work in many unique environments:
- Start with Inspiration: Clearly identify the purpose of your work, as well as the mission and vision of your organization. Reinforce it more often than you think you need to. Why does continuous improvement matter? Do your people deeply appreciate their role in something of vast importance?
- Lead by Example: Hold yourself accountable to continuous improvement and lifelong learning. What do you need to get better at yourself, to raise expectations with your people in the right way? Do you let things slide into mediocrity or engage people as a means of improving your own skills?
- Articulate the Paradox: Acknowledge people for their great work and accomplishments while cultivating a spirit of constructive dissatisfaction. Do people feel confident enough to admit making mistakes or acknowledge not knowing how to solve a problem? Are you able to foster a healthy curiosity about making improvements that stimulates creativity and innovation?
- Provide Coaching to Bring the Best out of People: Transcend supervision and accountability by "seeing people" as unlimited and having amazing untapped potential. Do you ask people the tough questions with a spirit of humility in service to their success? Can you help people find their own answers so their confidence grows every time they attain their next level of accomplishment?
- Interrupt Unacceptable Performance: Set a clear leadership tone that lets everyone know that you are committed to a high standard of excellence. Do you hold people accountable to both performance and culture expectations? Are you respectful to the individual and the team by addressing concerns quickly and decisively?
If this 5 step approach looks a bit daunting, take heart in that you can "be the continuous improvement change you want to see" by embracing your own learning curve. We have found that the more we know ourselves the easier it is to excel. It's our blind-spots and shortcomings-in-denial that hold us back.
Whenever we've had the permission to look into our clients' perceived character flaws with compassion, we have always found what we're looking for—the essence of their untapped potential. The human spirit is limitless in its ability to contribute and solve problems! Amazing accomplishments are possible with high expectations and leadership that brings the best out of people. Regardless of the challenges in our companies, environment and society we can find the leadership excellence that resides within our own hearts. Take the road of high expectations and leave a legacy you will be proud of. The alternative is boring, painful and unnecessary!
For a consultation on how to get started in a new direction, contact our office at 503-632-5872 and surprise yourself with your own magnificence!