Choosing or deciding how things should proceed will be most effective when done upfront.  (for example who has accountability ,how good or bad the level of associated quality, and so on)

On completion of a piece of work, task or service, advising all, that was not what I expected is of little value.  Expecting others to guess what we are expecting is also a bit like gambling.  They might guess and they might not.

Clarity

Providing clear notice of expected process and outcomes is frequently overlooked.  It is just assumed others magically know what you want.

Of course, for some this is a purposeful approach.  The lack of clarity is intentional because it provides wiggle room if things don’t proceed as expected or the outcomes are not what we thought they would be.

This can lead to accusatory clarity after the fact.  For example exclamations like “Why did you do it that way, you know that is not what I expected.  I am so disappointed.”

This is usually not a very effective approach, however, I have seen things proceed this way many times.

Ask

If you are undertaking a task or part of a process and the expectations have not been clearly provided to you, ask.  This is a great way to avoid the unexpected disappointments.

Sadly, sometimes even when what is you have carefully validated what is expected the outcomes might not measure up.  This does occur but can be mitigated by reference back to the clear mutual understandings.  The cause of the communication disconnect won’t fix the past but it does help with the future.