Managing Expectations - Part 2
"...it’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver than over-promise and under-deliver..."
How does communication relate to managing expectations?
Last week, we looked at the first 3 points on managing the expectations others have of us, and we have of them.
Let's continue with the 4th point...
Deal with any unmet expectations with honest communication
There will be unspoken expectations and unmet expectations. In both instances, the answer is to communicate lovingly and honestly.
Does it feel like the leadership let you down because what you are experiencing is not what you expected?
Don’t get resentful; instead, have a conversation and talk things through. Likewise, be willing to listen to your leadership if they need to talk to you about how you may have failed in meeting their expectations as agreed when you first took on the role. Humility and honesty are the keys here, and if you have these (in the Lord's strength), you will be able to work through these issues.
The final point, then, is...
Be realistic about your expectations, and the expectations others have of you
In the realm of expectations, it is so crucial for us to be realistic. If we’re not, then we are only setting ourselves up for failure.
One example of this would be committing to giving more time than you actually can. It's so important to avoid this. Otherwise, you’ll only end up stressed out and burdened by what you are doing, instead of enjoying it as a service to the Lord.
Or maybe you want the pastor to give you the songs on Monday morning, which gives you the whole week to practice. However, this probably won't be achievable because, as pastors, we often write our sermons across the whole week. Therefore, it's more likely we'll have a good idea of the songs that will be the best fit for our sermon later in the week, rather than earlier.
Whatever way this relates to you, in your situation, the encouragement here is simply to be realistic. Remember, it’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver than over-promise and under-deliver - so being realistic is the answer here!
I'll recap the points we've covered in this short series on managing expectations...
Ask exactly what expectations there are of you before taking on the role of a church piano player
Deal with any unspoken expectations with spoken communication
Deal with any unmet expectations with honest communication
Be realistic about your expectations, and the expectations others have of you
Remember, implementing these points will go a long way to helping us avoid unnecessary conflict, allowing us to focus on the ultimate goal, which is bringing glory to God through our worship.
[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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