This week, let’s dive right into some personal experiences that have shaped my perspective on effective team management and managing expectations. I’ve had my fair share of experiences, learned valuable lessons, and gained insights that I believe can help you lead and grow.
My Experience With Managing Quite Quit
One lesson I’ve learned is that while most employees are more than willing to go the extra mile occasionally, it’s essential to strike a balance. When this willingness is exploited, problems can quickly arise. That’s why, if your team member must shoulder new duties indefinitely, it’s crucial to recognize their efforts with extra incentives. In this situation, I believe that respect is more important than financial gain. It’s that sense of camaraderie and dedication that propels businesses forward.
Career changes should always be two-way conversations. It’s crucial to foster an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing their aspirations and growth opportunities. Particularly in startups, where roles tend to evolve beyond the initial job description, setting these expectations early on becomes paramount. By openly communicating and managing these changes, we build a culture of trust and empowerment.
Managing Expectations of Your Clients
Whenever a team member takes on a new career role, both their internal and external clients change as well. Let’s delve into managing the expectations of your clients. Expectations come in various forms, and it’s crucial to navigate them effectively.
Implicit expectations are rooted in market trends and serve as a baseline standard. Understanding this base level helps you deliver beyond what is expected.
On the other hand, explicit expectations revolve around what your customers specifically want. It’s vital to proactively communicate progress towards their revenue or profitability goals. Additionally, interpersonal expectations play a significant role. Your clients expect you to have a deep understanding of their business and industry, so don’t shy away from going the extra mile to meet those expectations.
When it comes to front-facing elements such as accessibility, personalization, dependability, and punctuality, meeting expectations is crucial. Your clients judge your business based on these factors, so strive to excel in each one. Moreover, never underestimate the power of technological expectations. Customers are always excited about new features and innovative experiences.
Transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of successful client relationships. Don’t shy away from collecting customer feedback on how you are performing, as it provides invaluable insights into how you can continuously improve. And don’t forget that following up shows that you care about their success.
Charlie Munger’s Inversion Principal
Now, let’s unlock the secrets of enhanced productivity with the powerful “inversion” principle from the legendary Charlie Munger. Munger famously said, “Invert, always invert.” This mindset shift has the potential to revolutionize the way you approach your work.
Here’s how it works: Begin by focusing on the action you need to take. Then, flip the script and envision the consequences if you fail to execute it correctly. By understanding the potential negative outcome, your subconscious will instinctively guide you away from it.
For example, let’s say you have to send your clients weekly reports on how well their marketing campaigns are doing. Now think about what would happen if you sent an incorrect report. Your client could make ill-informed business decisions based on your flawed data, which could cost them a lot of money. They might even take the problem to court and ask for legal action. By contemplating the potential consequences, your unconscious mind will guide you to send flawlessly accurate reports every single time.
Before we wrap up this week’s newsletter, I want to express my gratitude for reading it. Every week, we will continue to explore new ideas, experiences, and trends together. I encourage you to stay curious, embrace challenges, and sign up for this newsletter if you have not already. The road to greatness is paved with continuous learning and meaningful connections. Until next time, keep striving, keep growing, and keep making waves in the business world. Together, we’ll conquer new heights!
Arijit, a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience, is your go-to expert for managing brands and marketing communications online. With a passion for developing strategic and integrated brand strategies, Arijit excels at creating high-converting online marketing plans that drive growth and achieve business goals.
