Lesson 3.1 — Setting Goals and Expectations

This module covers setting expectations, giving feedback that actually helps, and handling underperformance fairly and directly.

Teams perform best when expectations are specific, measurable, and understood the same way by both manager and team member. Vague expectations are one of the most common causes of underperformance.

• Set goals that are specific and time-bound, not open-ended aspirations.
• Confirm shared understanding — ask the team member to restate the goal in their own words.
• Revisit and adjust goals as circumstances change, rather than leaving them static all year.