To prevent mismanaged expectations, use the feedback technique of communication. Basically, you feed back to the other individual what you think you’ve heard, then ask that individual what they heard you just state. Once you've reached an accord on what has been said and heard, you are able to be assured both sets of expectations are in alignment. This technique can clear up potential misinterpretations on the spot. Additionally, it will save you hours of squaring away the mess you could have prevented had you managed those expectations correctly in the first place. One of the greatest causes of frustration and disappointment in life is the unfulfilled expectations of other people's behavior. "Why won't my: clients, suppliers, kids, spouse, employees, friends, and so forth, act the way I think they should? They never will, so loosen up and let it go.
You can never be pleased if you're attached to the expectations or outcomes you have for others, regardless who they are. The execution of all behavior by other people is in their hands, not yours. This isn't to imply you should never have expectations. Rather to say that if you want to spend a lot of time and energy being frustrated, then continue to expect other people to do, whatever you believe, feel, or think they should according to your criteria. Eventually everybody in your life will let you down, including acquaintances, parents, spouses, kids, bosses, clients, and even a faithful relative. To manage your expectations means that you comprehend and accept that others are doing the best they can, at any given instant, with what they've learned so far on the highway of life. We're each learning daily, either by accident, design, or by choice…but we're learning what life wants us to learn about life, relationships, individuals, business and so forth, right now.
