Some years ago I was to travel for a weekend away and just as I leaving the office I stopped by my manager’s office to wish him well for the weekend. As I went to leave he started to ask a series of questions that I didn’t have answers for. As it turns out he had a set of expectations that hadn’t been shared with me previously about me being away. I quickly tried to resolve what I could but I missed my flight in doing so (I flew the next day).
This experience was unpleasant, but what I haven’t missed from this experience this the value of regular check-in sessions with your manager, asking lots questions, listening twice as much as speaking and asking ‘is there anything else I should know?’.
We all have expectations in every sphere of our lives and I dare say that most of them are sub-conscience. As we lead and manage ourselves and others, let’s lift the dialogue level, take time to think and reflect, and above all infuse our relationships with kindness.
Andrew Mina 
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