Great Expectations

Importance of expectations

Recently, a number of restaurants have added a new dining option.

• Option 1 is to see the host, sit at a table, order off the menu, and receive table service.

• Option 2 is to order from a counter (which could be a separate building in the back, part of a food truck out front, or in the front of the restaurant), wait for your food, go retrieve it yourself, and eat it at a picnic table or out in the lawn.

The food is often the same in both scenarios.

The location might be just a few feet apart.

But the expectations are different.

With Option 1, we expect that someone will visit us at our table; refill out water; and stop by occasionally to see how we are doing. If this doesn't happen, we may find ourselves disappointed or even irritated.

With Option 2, we have no such expectations. If we need something, we get it ourselves. Nobody visits us at our table with option 2, and we don't expect them to. We happily eat our pizza or our burger and we walk up to refill our drinks if needed.

These two scenarios are examples of the importance of expectations.

SETTING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

Setting clear expectations up front allows everyone to know what to expect moving forward. We can breathe a bit more easily. We can settle in. We know what we are getting.

With clear expectations, we can reduce conflict down the line. As we explore within Expansive Impact:

Conflict is typically not a product of what happens or doesn't happen. It is a product of what we think will happen or not happen. In other words, conflict typically ties back to expectations.

What do you think?

Are you finding these types of new options at restaurants where you live?

And, are there any expectations that you're currently working to set —or, perhaps revisit, due to conflict that is arising?