I hold people to a high bar, especially at work. That means I get disappointed. A lot.
Not because I expect perfection, or think everyone should move mountains. Just . . . a basic level of care about the work. Forward motion. Trying.
Some people take the opposite approach: they keep expectations low. That way, when someone does something great, it feels like a win. Fewer letdowns. More pleasant surprises.
I’ve thought a lot about that tradeoff. It sounds emotionally efficient. But I’m not sure it sits right with me.
To expect more from people—even if it means getting let down—is, in a weird way, a kind of optimism. It says you think people can do meaningful, thoughtful work. It speaks to the human potential you believe is there.
I guess the part I’m still working on is how to deal with the gap between what I hope for and what actually happens.