How to reset expectations after you’ve been too easy on people like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
(Launched last month!) Introducing the MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. 50% off launch special this week. Pre-order them here. Use code LEADER10 for an extra 10% off. OVER 2500 already sold!!
___________________________
The Thought
Did you know…most expectation problems don’t come from laziness or lack of effort — they come from unclear leadership?
When leaders avoid clarity to keep the peace, standards quietly drift.
The good news: expectations can be reset without losing trust when leaders take ownership and lead with care.
Quote:
“Clarity is kindness. Unclear expectations are not.” - Brene Brown
___________________________
The Tip
Remember to…
1. Own the reset without blaming anyone
A manager pushes outward:
“Everyone needs to step it up.”
A leader steps forward:
“I haven’t been clear about our expectations — that’s on me. Let’s reset.”
Ownership lowers defensiveness and invites buy-in.
Then ask:
“Where have expectations felt unclear or inconsistent?”
2. Clearly name what changes moving forward
Vague warnings don’t help.
Clarity does.
Say:
“Here’s what I need to see consistently from this point on.”
Then check for alignment:
“Does anything here feel unclear or unrealistic?”
People respond better to clear standards than pressure or frustration.
3. Reinforce consistency, not perfection
A manager threatens consequences.
A leader builds trust through follow-through.
Say:
“I’m not looking for perfection — I’m looking for consistency.”
Partner with them:
“What support do you need to meet these expectations consistently?”
Consistency builds trust faster than pressure ever will.
___________________________
The Tool
Short Video:
Learn how leaders reset expectations without overcorrecting, threatening, or losing trust.
See how to own the reset, clarify standards, and reinforce consistency with care.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube or Facebook
___________________________
Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓What are the top 3 things you're most curious about right now?
❓How could they benefit our team or organization?
❓What’s one way we can explore them together?
___________________________
Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-reset-expectations-after-you-ve-been-too-easy-on-people-like-a-leader-not-a-manager
How can we support your leadership journey?
Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.
MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders | COMPLETE LEADER Package | COMPLETE NEW LEADER Bundle | COMPLETE LEADER Activity Cards | Speaking | Develop Your Leaders (Workshops)
Website - TikTok - YouTube - Instagram
