Setting Expectations vs. Clinging to Hope: Navigating Uncertainty as a Conscious Leader
If you're anything like me, you've probably caught yourself placing hope in a boss, colleague, or even a loved one, wishing against all odds they'd magically transform into who you need them to be. I'm an eternal optimist, yet, even I know when I have to face the hard truth.
Leaders need to embrace these scenarios of uncertainty, but not descend into panic or confusion. How do we keep the faith without becoming delusional? We set reasonable expectations, based on critical, observable data points, that can alert us to the need to pivot.
Observations
Throughout my career in demanding environments like finance and executive search, I've learned to always walk into situations with few expectations. I prepare by understanding the agenda and the players. I set a positive intention for what I want to achieve. Then I focus less on the specifics of how it will happen and more on how I intend to show up. The rest? Let's call that trust in the flow of things.
Now, don't get me wrong, I've been blindsided more than once. But it's those experiences, the disappointments, even the occasional devastation are what forge the strongest leaders. Each one taught me vital lessons about myself, the people around me, and how to better analyze those sometimes invisible forces that shape any organization.
Personal Story: When Hope Hit the Wall
Let me share an example. Years ago, a leadership change threatened to throw my team into disarray. My gut, plus my experience, screamed that this was a suboptimal plan with negative unintended consequences. On paper, I laid out my concerns to the new decision-maker, "Rich." He was amiable but, let's just say, had an ego to protect. I quickly learned that more data wasn't winning him over.
Time to shift gears. I dug for insights into who influenced Rich, who he might actually listen to. Turned out, my perspective was 100% valid, but the reorg was more about office politics than operational logic. With that context, I stopped trying to change the decision, and instead, planned how to protect my team from the fallout.
The inevitable happened; a year later, they reversed the whole mess. My escape plan was already in place. I knew going in that this wasn't an environment where I'd thrive for the long haul. Realistic expectations saved my sanity.
5 Lessons for Conscious Leaders
Managing expectations while maintaining a positive intention is life's work, personally and professionally. Here's what workplaces especially teach us:
Intention vs. Expectation: Know the difference. Intention is your internal compass; expectation is betting the farm on a specific outcome.
Realistic Optimism: You can be hopeful and clear-eyed. People usually revert to form. If they've shown themselves untrustworthy, remember, “a tiger doesn’t change its stripes.”
Clear Boundaries: Limits and boundaries can seem obvious, but too few of us set them, even for ourselves. Know your values, needs and limits, and communicate them explicitly.
Adaptability is Queen: The Universe supports your intentions and beliefs, but not necessarily the “how”. Anticipate, have backup options, don't let surprises derail you. They are likely for your highest good.
Stay Positive, Let Go of Outcomes: Hold your intention but resist clinging to a rigid "should;" that will burn you out faster than any overtime shift.
Next Steps:
Life is a wild ride, and conscious leadership means being prepared for the twists and turns of uncertainty. Don't let naive hope derail you. Instead, channel that optimism into realistic analysis, informed expectations, and adaptable plans.
Ready to make that first move towards a career where you truly thrive? I've created a FREE Career Mapping Workbook to help you discover your unique strengths and forge a path that leverages them. Click the link in the description to download your copy and join my conscious leadership community
