What got you to where you are will not get you to where you’re going.
On most employee evaluations, we can be categorized in three standards: Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, and Needs Improvement.
Those who excel or consistently exceed expectations are often promoted.
However, the new title does not absolve them from their previous tasks. Managers are not removed from customer-facing issues, supervisors are still involved in the day-to-day operations, senior developers still write and evaluate code. Instead, the expectations expanded.
What got them promoted – a job well done – becomes just a job done.
As leaders, as we grow in our communication abilities, supervisory duties, and expertise, it is incumbent upon us to push the limit of expectations.
What got us here will not get us there.
What got us promoted – exceeding expectations – is now the expectation. We must move with those expectations.
As we learn to communicate more clearly, or to understand the perspective of an employee, or work to inspire – we must recognize that the expectations are moving under our feet. It is our job to keep moving forward.
Because “Meets Expectations” will mean less tomorrow than it does today.
The expectation is evolving.
All the best,
-Shaun
