Jonathan M. Ybañez

This very important step allows us to conduct more meaningful conversations on business strategy, tactical efficiency as well as performance standards that leads to productive dialogue for positive outcomes. Also creating an environment supporting organic “Feedback Exchange ” as a cultural norm leads to proactive communications for greater efficiencies and higher quality results, while minimizing the need to have difficult conversations.

“Expectations drives Performance”
1. Setting Expectations – Exchanging very clear and specific expectations creates a solid foundation for thriving relationships because in doing so, provides mutual understanding in the performance of each other’s roles and responsibilities. This leads to reliability (the quality of being trustworthy and performing consistently well) and accountability.
2. Mindset and Attitude – Instill confidence by remembering people want to know these three things from you:
  ⦁ Do you value me?
  ⦁ Will you help me?
  ⦁ Can I trust you?
3. “Connection” is the lifeblood for Communication. As leaders, we are authentic and vulnerable to keep relationships real. Always operate on mutual respect and approach every relationship with humility, regardless of each other’s title or position. Authenticity is a Trust accelerator!
4. Start with small talk and uncover their “Why”. Ask people what they care about, motivations, passions, values, as well as their aspirations. Equipped with this knowledge, inspire and support them as it relates to their dreams and desires. Find out what they need from you to “Set them up for Success” (e.g. skills training, access to information /people, equipment, resources, etc.). Once you know what they require and expect from you, convey your own expectations as to how they can support your success (as aligned to team and organizational goals). Then come to a mutual understanding and agreement moving forward.
5. Recap your meeting of the minds by offering words of affirmation and encouraging open dialogue. Emphasize how this “relationship” is mutually beneficial as it contributes to their development, team efficiencies, and positive outcomes —while supporting each other’s success. Be prepared to make adjustments as you focus on ensuring their needs and production/performance standards are being met.
6. Give people permission to openly share feedback and serve as a thought partner for each other. A healthy culture is one that welcomes feedback as a gift because this leads to a constructive and productive relationships as well as a cohesive working environment.
7. Control what you can control. Your attitude, presence, and energy will always send a powerful message. Be consistent in modeling behaviors that help create collaborative working conditions that best serves your team and organizational culture. Morale increases and people strive to perform at their best when you create relationships that operates on clarity for focused intention while being empowered with purpose.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it!” ~ Abraham Lincoln
This process enables and reinforces the Law of Reciprocity. It is perpetual and adjustments are made based on business demands and relational dynamics. While this process is ideally applied during the early stages of a relationship, its application is necessary and can be applied at any stage. Use it to “re-calibrate” or like a reset button, start fresh with pure intentions to support each other’s success in creating more meaningful and productive relationships!

Communication is both art and science. It requires the mastering of many skills like active listening, understanding people’s personality styles, emotional intelligence/competence, social acumen, and verbal and non-verbal communication. As leaders, we are committed to this journey of growth and are lifelong learners.

Discover the Leader within You!