Raise the Bar

The Pygmalion effect refers to situations where high expectations lead to improved performance and low expectations lead to worsened performance. It is critical to establish goals and expectations in every area of our life. Have you set expectations for yourself, your team, our Department and our union?

What are your expectations for yourself? Maybe it’s physical expectation, a mental mindset, a financial goal or a combination of all three. Whatever expectations we set for ourselves are ones we continue to strive for and work toward every day. It’s time to establish personal goals, raise the bar and elevate your expectations. The easiest way is to simplify your goals or plans and work to achieve them.

What are the expectations you have for your team? I am not talking about performance evaluations, although that might be some consideration. What do you want from your team, what reputation does your team want to have, and what are the goals for your team? Remember, these are collaborative expectations that you have for the team as well as the expectations they have for themselves. We need to work to mutually support each other while simultaneously working to accomplish the team’s goals and mission.

What are your expectations of our Department? Some might say none; however, some may have expectations of the Department. What do you want your workplace to look like? What do you want to see from the Department? How hard are you willing to work to help the Department meet your expectations? Do not try to solve problems simultaneously. Prioritize the most important tasks, then work to solve them. Own the opportunity as leaders in the Department to make the changes and set expectations.

What are your expectations of our union? Representation, higher salaries, better benefits, etc. We each have our own expectations, but does your representative at PPOA know your expectations? If we do not know your expectations, we will always fall short. However, if we set our expectations and let others know about the expectations, we can develop plans and strategies to meet those expectations. The members of our union should understand our mission and the “why” behind it so everyone knows the expectations and goals for all of our members of PPOA.

Set higher expectations today, own the opportunity to lead others and raise the bar for yourself, your team, our Department and our union.