Applies to Both Worlds - Education and Business

Creating and sustaining a climate of high expectations for success for each and every learner originating from high expectations for success of self is not limited to education and educators. I was strongly reminded by a former Board of Member and friend who sent me a text the other day that irrespective of public or private sector vocation or occupation, high expectations for success of self is about character and integrity.

High expectations for success of self are not about setting unrealistic standards that teeter on a pursuit of perfection. High expectations for success of self include a commitment to excellence – not perfection. The pursuit of excellence is about humility and a deep, profound passion for learning.

Learning is continuous and requires intentionality. We must respect as well as embrace learning as constant. To do so, depends on our attitude and appreciation for situations, circumstances, challenges, conflict, and yes, moments where we fall short or fail.

John Maxwell states it best, “Wisdom comes from learning and improving in the wake of your mistakes.” For leaders, high expectations for success of self are not running from or avoiding mistakes. Rather, it is learning from them that create greater capacity, confidence and competence in the skills, knowledge, and experience to lead.

Strong leaders, effective leaders learn. They never think themselves better or somehow above those they lead. They believe, as Maxwell penned, “Everyone has something to teach me; every day I have something to learn; and every time I learn something, I benefit”. Companies and organizations that are led by individuals with such a mindset have high expectations for success of self. Moreover, these leaders surround themselves with like spirited and like-minded individuals that stretch, challenge, and model high expectations for success of self, their leader, and those they lead.

A climate of high expectations for success is more than an attitude. For example, the school effects research found that a climate of high expectation for success also included anticipating, adjusting and adapting instructional strategies when learners were not successful - not just blaming the learner for not learning.

This finding has significant import and utility in the private sector.   Far too often a fiscal bottom line short circuits or disrupts necessary processes to reflect, review or learn resulting in actionable root-cause analysis of a failed strategy, action, or decision. A climate of high expectations for success places a premium on learning that as the school effects research concluded shifts culture and behavior individually and collectively.

I believe we know such companies and businesses. We see them, hear them, work for them and most importantly experience them through product reliability and performance, commitment to customer service and satisfaction, and more. These companies and businesses are rewarded with brand loyalty and increased profitability that in turn create even better products and services for us to use.

When we trace back the steps, strategies and etc. these companies took to be successful, I am confident we will find high expectations for success of self as a common thread shared by their leaders and staff.