When interracting with others there is always a a belief that they will or should support achievment of something. The thing could be tangible or intangible, but the expectation exists.

Failed or unsatisfactory interactions, whether individual, team or a large group, often stem from unmet expectations. Others might not be aware of your expectation and hence the unsatifactory performance might be fully unknowingly.

Share Openly

A good start to avoiding cases of unmet expectations is to make sure they are not hidden. Let others know what you expect. Although just because you expect it does not mean it will be accepted.

Your expectations and those of others may differ. A mutual understanding enables the forging of outcomes that are acceptable to all, even if not optimal.

Understand Your Expectations

Often what we believe should occur has an unconcious component and even though it might not be in the forefront of our thoughts we will be dissapointed if it does not happen.

In order to share your expectation with others you must have a conscious understanding and most importantly it needs to be feasible.

Eliminate Disappointment

If you are aware of what you expect to occur, have shared it with others and discussed variations that are acceptable it is unlikely to be dissappointed.

This does not mean the outcomes will always delight you but they won’t surprise you.

Don’t keep your expectations secret, they should not be demands but reasonable desires. Following this practice eliminates unpleasant surprises and the associated negative emotions