Expectation Factory (IP)
The expression Expectation Factory envisions a team that avoids the extremes among chaos, surprises, ambiguity, randomness, and rigidity.
The expression has these objectives:
Record in writing what the team agrees on
Execute the agreements as a pattern of setting expectations then meeting expectations
Repeat a rational sequence of agreements
Absorb new information to change and reset expectations
Favor high expectations over low expectations
Convey that the discipline of setting and meeting expectations is attractive, desirable, and profitable
Convey that changing expectations is attentive, empathetic, and profitable
The expression is provocative because it avoids the extremes of commitments (rigid expectations) and chaos (zero expectations). The expression welcomes leadership from anywhere in an organizational hierarchy.
The term also suggests that a healthy team repeatedly sets expectations for itself. A healthy team does not minimize or hide from expectations or accountability for expectations. A healthy team has high expectations – first, setting them, then, meeting them, and poised when changing them.
Occasions exist where a team must change expectations. This is acceptable, healthy, and a sign of attentiveness. However changing expectations frequently is a sign of poor discipline and poor empathy.
An Expectation Factory leverages the five verbs.
Innovation practitioners use this expression to envision, describe, and inspire a healthy innovation culture.