Leadership: Expectations vs Desire

One of the most awe-inspiring lessons I’ve learned about leadership is the peril of harboring unrealistic expectations. It’s a trap many leaders unwittingly fall into, and it’s time to break free from this common mistake.

Imagine this scenario: you’re presenting a groundbreaking change to your team, filled with enthusiasm and expecting every member to jump on board with the same fervor. But hold on, reality strikes! Not everyone will grasp the concept immediately or share your level of excitement. It’s natural to encounter varying degrees of understanding and reactions within your team.

Recently, while delving into an entirely unrelated topic, I stumbled upon a phrase that shed a brilliant light on this very issue: “allowing yourself to desire the best possible outcome.” Suddenly, the connection between unrealistic expectations and desiring greatness became crystal clear, though initially seeming contradictory.

So, how can one simultaneously yearn for the best while maintaining realistic expectations? Here’s the key: you can aspire to have every team member fully support your project with unwavering motivation, all while anticipating some resistance as a normal part of the journey.

Upon contemplation, I discovered a crucial distinction. Desiring the best outcome involves envisioning the ideal scenario, embodying your unwavering conviction and visionary spirit. However, it doesn’t imply an instantaneous realization of that vision. On the other hand, avoiding unrealistic expectations necessitates acknowledging the gap between your desired outcome and the present reality.

This realization deepened my understanding of why unrealistic expectations are so detrimental to leadership. Leaders forge ahead with a vivid vision of the best possible scenario, but it may not be as apparent to others. Neglecting this point can lead to immense frustration for the leader. While intently visualizing a target forty kilometers away, they might overlook the stone right in front of them, stumbling and falling.

Yet, here’s the paradox: you cannot be a true leader without allowing yourself to yearn for the best outcome, nurturing your vision. It’s an intrinsic part of the leadership journey. Hence, it became crystal clear that desiring greatness and realistic expectations are not adversaries; they are harmonious partners, working hand in hand.

Let’s apply this concept to the world of sales. Imagine you’re leading a sales team and have set your sights on a remarkable sales target. As a passionate leader, you desire nothing less than a record-breaking performance from your team, visualizing a flurry of enthusiastic customers eagerly buying your product. However, you understand that not every potential customer will immediately embrace your offering with open arms. You recognize that objections, hesitations, and even rejections are part of the sales process. By maintaining realistic expectations, you can channel your desire for success while anticipating and addressing potential obstacles along the way. This approach empowers you to inspire and guide your team, helping them navigate through challenges while keeping their eyes on the prize.

Remember, in the realm of selling, as in any leadership role, balancing the allure of extraordinary outcomes with grounded expectations is key to fostering long-term success and maintaining motivation amidst the inevitable hurdles of the journey.