DEVELOPING TEAMS · SETTING FOCUSED EXPECTATIONS WORKSHOP
Your Team Can't Hit
a Target They Can't See or Don't Understand
A practical workshop that teaches leaders to set focused, specific expectations that eliminate confusion and drive performance, because clarity is the foundation of accountability.
35+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
8-20
PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION
2-2.5
HOUR WORKSHOP
5
SKILLS COVERED
THE PROBLEM
The Gap Between What You Said and What They Heard
Leaders assume they've set clear expectations, but often they haven't. They've shared goals, made requests, and communicated priorities, yet the gap between what a leader meant and what the team understood is often enormous.
Unclear expectations create a cycle of frustration. The leader gets disappointed things weren't done right. The team member is confused because they thought they did what was asked. Both sides feel the other is the problem.
What This Looks Like
"Urgent" meaning one thing to you and something else to your team
Work coming back wrong, for reasons nobody can quite name
Capable people looking like underperformers, simply because they lacked clarity
Time lost to rework that a five minute check in could have prevented
THE WORKSHOP
What Is Expectations Setting Training?
Setting focused expectations is a leadership skill that can be taught. This workshop gives leaders a practical framework for defining what success looks like, communicating it precisely, and confirming alignment before work begins.
Participants practice setting expectations that are specific, measurable, time bound, and outcome focused, then learn to confirm understanding through structured check ins that take minutes, not meetings.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN
Skills Your Team Can Use Immediately
1
Closing the Clarity Gap
Why most leaders think they're clear when they aren't, and how to close the gap.
4
Clarity and Accountability
The direct connection between clear expectations and accountability.
2
A Practical Framework
Turning vague goals into focused, measurable expectations.
5
Adjusting on the Fly
Techniques for adjusting expectations when circumstances change.
3
Confirming Understanding
How to confirm that expectations are understood, not just communicated.
Who This Is For
✓Leaders who want better results through their influence and leadership
✓Leaders whose teams frequently miss expectations or deliver the wrong thing
✓Managers who struggle to articulate what good looks like for their team
✓Teams experiencing confusion about priorities and responsibilities
✓Organizations that want to improve performance through clarity, not pressure
Workshop Format
Duration
Delivery
2.5 hours
On-site or virtual
Group Size
8–20 participants (customizable)
Includes
Assessments, materials, profile reviews, follow-up plan
Every session is customized to your team's specific challenges and dynamics.
WHAT YOUR TEAM WILL GAIN
What Teams Take Away
Leaders Consistently Report:
✓ A clear, honest picture of how their leadership actually lands
✓ Specific blind spots identified, with a plan to address them
✓ A development plan with concrete goals, not vague
"areas for improvement"
✓ Increased confidence, grounded in real feedback
✓ Measurable behavioral growth that others notice
✓ Stronger relationships built on self-awareness
"I have no doubt we will have a successful shift in our effectiveness as a team, in part due to the engagement with Rich and the team at One On One HR."
Dave Hudson
President and CEO
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most leaders overestimate how clear they are. They communicate in shorthand, assume shared understanding, and skip the step of confirming alignment. This workshop addresses that gap with practical tools and self-awareness exercises.
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Setting expectations is the prerequisite for accountability. You can’t hold someone accountable for something they didn’t clearly understand. We recommend pairing this workshop with our Improving Accountability workshop for the full framework.