commiting to clear expectations
Post on 21-Oct-2014
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Through the 7 c's and the alignment cycle, we can ensure that we commit to clear expectations in our relationships.TRANSCRIPT
committing to clear expectations
7 c’s and the alignment cyclea process for all relationships
Created 2012
by Tom Curtis
Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.com
Presentations: www.slideshare.net/onimproving
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @onimproving
expectations in relationships left misaligned are a contract for pain unwittingly signed.
expectation-what we expect to happen or to be required of us in a situation or relationship
the process
the 7 c’s• craft
• confess
• convey
• co-develop
• clarify
• commit
• check
convey
co-develop
clarify
thealignment
cycle
enter exit (when clear)
thestart
craftthe
expectation
craftWe need to create our expectations with care. If they are not well thought through, they will have unforeseen consequences that we should
have avoided. This can be disastrous. We should craft our expectations to motivate us
and align with our goals and principles.
confessthe
likely gap
confessExpectations are often between individuals or groups. We usually assume that others view and understand things in the same way and manner that we do. This is rarely true. We must confess the likely gap that exists. This prepares us to enter the alignment cycle.
the alignment
cycle
convey
co-develop
clarify
thealignment
cycle
enter exit (when clear)
The next 3 steps make up the alignment cycle. This is a cycle because it will often need to be run more than once. The focus of this cycle is to remove the
gap we confessed in the last set and to exit with clear expectations that all will commit to.
Here is where the rubber meets the road...
conveythe
expectation
conveyIn the first step of the alignment cycle both
parties convey to the other their expectations or their separate interpretations of the
“shared” expectation. This will help to establish the misalignment or gap to be worked on
together in the next steps.
co-developthe
expectation
co-developIn this step we work together to close the
alignment gap. We may explore and adjust the expectation shared or craft new expectations
together. We need to be honest and open with what we understand, need or want. In the next step we will clarify to ensure what
we have co-developed are aligned.
clarifythe
expectation
clarifyThis must be a no assumption zone. We
must seek understanding and clarity. Consider. Ask. Restate. Discuss. Repeat.
Decide and spell out how it will be checked. Be open. Be honest. Be patient. This step sets up what we will commit to. If we are not ready to commit, we should cycle back
to the convey step.
theclose
committhe
expectation
commitFormalize the agreement.
Put it in writing.Ensure it is clear.
Plan when it will be checked.
checkthe
expectation
checkThis is not usually exciting but is a must. It is often a forgotten step. This is where we ensure our commitments are kept. This is the follow up. We must build it into the
expectation and into the commitment. We should strive to make it easy to do. This
will increase the likelihood we do it.