Managing Expectations - Part 1
"Expectations are always present in our lives, and often they're unspoken, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there."
Why is it so important to manage expectations?
Well, in the next couple of posts, we're going to look at exactly how this relates to us as church piano players, and why it's important to manage.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve considered the importance of good and godly communication,which is both loving and truthful. Now, one of the ways we need to apply that type of conversion is with the expectations other people may have of us in our role as a church piano player, and the expectations we, in turn, have of others.
Let's take a look then.
Expectations are always present in our lives, and often they're unspoken, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.
As church piano players, we serve in a particular role within the local church, and we cannot escape the reality of expectations.
Just like when a person takes on a new job, it’s always wise to communicate what you expect of your new employer, and also for them to communicate what they expect of you.
This makes for a much smoother relationship and work experience for both parties, as there are fewer surprises further down the road.
It’s not too dissimilar in the church setting, because inevitably, as soon as you agree to be “the church piano player”, you have already submitted yourself to a bunch of expectations. Some of these may have been communicated, while others won't be.
In this short series, I'm going to highlight 5 points to help you manage expectations in your role as a church piano player.
Here's the first one…
Ask exactly what expectations there are of you before taking on the role of a church piano player
Now that may be too late, as I realise many of you reading this may already be serving in that role. If that’s the case, you've hopefully already done this, and you have a good 2-way understanding with your church. If not, I hope this can be an encouragement for you to set up a conversation focusing only on what you need to. If there are expectations upon you that you don’t feel you can or should fulfil, then it’s much better to have this conversation now, even if it’s difficult, than to suffer in silence and risk becoming resentful and bitter.
This may be to do with things like how much time you have available to commit to the role, when you would ideally like to receive the songs, or what level of admin you can take on that’s related to the role.
It’s always best to communicate rather than be agitated under the surface.
Communicate your expectations (relating to the pastor, fellow members, etc) before taking on the role
Expectations always go 2 ways, so it’s vital that you have a good understanding of what you can expect in your role as the church piano player.
Will you get to pick the songs, or will they be chosen for you?
Can you gain access to the church to practice, if that’s helpful or something you need?
Will the church provide any relevant resources, like music folders or subscription services to download chord charts?
Depending on your situation, there are lots of questions like this you can and should ask, so you have a good understanding of what you can expect as you carry out your role.
Deal with any unspoken expectations with spoken communication
As I said before, there’s always going to be unspoken expectations, from both sides of the piano, lurking in the background. When you become aware of that, which you will, over time, resolve to nip that in the bud by talking about it.
You may have to begin that conversation with something like, “Did I misunderstand you, because I thought when you said the songs would come later in the week, you meant earlier than midnight on Saturday?” Or “Can I please just clarify something, as I wasn’t aware that I would only get one Sunday off in 10 years when I signed up for this?"
Just make what is unspoken, something that is spoken, and you will clear the air a little (hopefully), and be able to move on.
Next week, we'll look at the last 2 points relating to managing expectations.
[Return to The Church Piano Player Website]
This blog post was written by pastor and pianist Kris Baines, from The Church Piano Player. Kris lives in the UK with his family, having recently moved back from New Zealand where he worked as a pastor for the past 26 years (also leading worship/worship teams). Kris has also spent over 35 years writing, recording, and performing music and is now bringing all that combined experience together to help equip church piano/keyboard players.
Check out the church piano player website for more information on online courses by Kris Baines.
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