Inspect What You Expect

This economic environment, perhaps more than any other time in the last decade, requires a “make it happen” approach to successfully deliver on the results others expect of you. Key to getting things done through the people you depend upon is the ability to “inspect what you expect”—both in a way that ensures delivery, but also builds relationships and a sense of team. The fear of micro-managing and the lack of effective follow-up will most likely bring unwanted surprises and unmet expectations.

A positive and principled inspection is a thoughtful and planned activity designed to assess how closely key expectations are being ful?lled, ensure continued alignment, provide needed support, reinforce progress, and promote learning, all in order to bring about the delivery of expected results. People appreciate a good inspection when it is done properly; that is, when these purposes are being accomplished. The chance to report on progress or solicit needed help is generally always welcome and can help to ensure the success of everyone involved.

However, despite the benefits of a good inspection, there are a number of reasons why people may resist the inspection process: 1) they think your follow-up means you don’t trust them to do their job, and to do it well, 2) they want to be “empowered” and don’t want to be “second-guessed” or required to run things by you because it may slow them down, 3) they don’t want to disappoint you or fear that you will discover they cannot live up to your standards, 4) they want full credit and don’t want to be forced to share their rewards for ful?lling their responsibility, 5) they take pride in not needing your time or attention because they want to establish their own credibility and value to the organization, and 6) they don’t think your inspection will add any value to their ability to get the job done.

Dealing with these natural concerns up front will prepare people for your inspection efforts and help you secure the benefits of a good inspection. When you obtain a mutual understanding and agreement of how the inspection process should occur, you will find that your inspection will be a welcome support to making things happen. Anyone who depends upon others to get things done will “inspect what they expect” and do it in a way that makes it a positive and principled experienced for all the parties involved.