Communicating Expectations

Most would agree that it is unreasonable to hold someone accountable for what they don't know. Managers must clearly communicate expectations and requirements to employees during the probationary period and whenever there are changes.

Performance expectations generally fall into one or more of the following categories:

Quality: How well an activity is performed or to what standard the task is completed.
Quantity: How much or how many are produced or performed.
Timeliness: How quickly a result is produced or performed.
Manner: The way or style in which a task is performed or produced.
Method: The policies, procedures and technical considerations applied to the task.
Cost: The effective use of resources to complete a task.

Work requirements often speak to the manner in which work is done and reflects the organization's values. As examples, customer service, accountability, and respect will be values for all staff functions within the University.