Expect Hard – Glenn Brooke

 

I recognized a major mindset error as I reflected on recent events:

I was foolishly expecting things to go smoothly and the work to be straightforward.  I became upset and mad at myself and others, and discouraged (ever been on that roller-coaster?) because of the surprising gap between my expectations and reality.

New leadership mantra:  Expect hard, and lean into it. 

 

Advantages:

• Occasionally, things are easier than expected, but not often. This is simple reality. Expecting hard means I’m not surprised.

• I’m more likely to be better prepared for new situations. If we think it will be easy, hey, we’re human and we’re likely to skimp on preparation. I’m also more likely to make sure our team is well-prepared.

• I have the opportunity to enjoy the challenges because I know they will surface. I get to say “That’s interesting” rather than “That’s terrible! We’re doomed!”.

• I’m less likely to quit too soon.

There’s more to say, but right now I’m working on expecting hard.