Advancing in the 6 CORE Leadership Skills – Skill 3: Being Clear On Expectations and Goals for Growth
Anchored by the Clarity + Compassion CORE Leadership Qualities, the skill of Being Clear On Expectations and Goals for Growth is essential to planning and communicating a path forward. Growth only happens when people know what is expected of them and why it’s important.
Why It Matters
Effective leaders create focus by setting expectations that are clear enough to guide action and human enough to inspire growth. This is not about adding pressure; it is about creating alignment. When expectations are rooted in compassion, they feel like support instead of demands.
Without clarity, even high performers can lose direction. They end up chasing vague feedback, misreading priorities, or second-guessing the next step. Clear agreements are the foundation. Defined outcomes, honest conversations, and accountability that is real, not punitive. Growth is not a once-a-year review. It is built through rhythm and repetition.
When leaders bring clarity and compassion together, people stop guessing. They know where they stand, where they are headed, and how to get there. And that builds not only stronger performance, but deeper trust.
How to Strengthen This Skill
Get to know your team individually and tailor your approach: Use tools like the Kolbe or Enneagram to discover the unique strengths of your team and adjust your style as needed.
Begin the week with a weekly focus email or meeting: Start the week off strong by sending out a short email or facilitating a brief meeting where your top 3–5 focus areas are laid out and ensure that everyone knows the best next step for each.
Be clear about what success looks like: Don’t say I need you to do this. Be clear about how exactly you want the work done and what you will be measuring their efforts against.
Have a 90-day growth plan in place: Make your one-on-ones meaningful but have a clear 90-day plan that you can refer to and coach with.
Adjust the plan as you go: Growth isn’t linear, so don’t lock the plan. Make it a living document.
Check for clarity early and often: Ask what’s clear, what’s confusing, and what support is needed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Combining clarity and compassion provides people with the instructions and inspiration they need to achieve growth.
Weekly focus check-ins, bi-weekly one-on-ones, 90-day plans, and quarterly resets make growth visible and achievable.
How can you begin to communicate goals and expectations more clearly for your team?
Work on putting together a 90-day growth plan to help guide you and your team.
What tools will you use to help you get to know your team individually and tailor your approach to their needs, strengths, personalities, and work styles?
