Setting clear expectations

- Great performance begins with clarity.…That clarity must thought in context with an…understanding of the company's vision,…mission, values and strategic goals.…If clarity is not gained at the outset,…performance can easily veer off track,…even while the employee thinks they're…doing a good job.…For example,…say a retail clerk gets a new job at Nordstrom's.…Previously, he worked in a retail chain…known for its poor customer service.…

To provide clarity that new employee has to be…trained that the customer's always right.…Without that training,…the clerk may feel it's his number one job…to save Nordstrom's money on the spot,…argue with a shopper,…and in the process tarnish a valuable…customer relationship.…So,…to gain clarity I suggest managers ask employees…these two questions:…Number one,…what are the most important things…you do everyday?…And two,…how do you know if you are doing them well…without having to ask me or that my…having to tell you?…Until you and your employees can answer…these two questions in concert,…