You thought you explained it clearly. You handed off the project. But what came back wasn’t at all what you envisioned. Sound familiar? Whether you’re leading a team, onboarding new employees, or collaborating with clients, one truth remains: people can’t meet expectations that were never clearly set. And clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the leadership blind spot that hinders productivity, fuels frustration, and undermines success: unclear expectations. What emerges is a practical, and energizing conversation about bridging the gap between what leaders expect and what teams deliver.

Through stories from the horse arena, the workplace, and their own coaching and leadership experiences, Ginny and Katie unpack how assumption bias, generational shifts, time pressure, and poor communication keep leaders from setting their people up for success. They also offer real tools for change. You’ll find simple, effective ways to align your vision with your team’s actions and outcomes.

This is a reminder that no one performs well in the dark. Clear expectations fuel confident action. When leaders lead with clarity, context, and curiosity, everyone moves forward.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Assumption bias often causes leaders to overestimate what others understand or know.

-Today’s workforce, especially Gen Z, craves clarity and context, not micromanagement.

-Without clearly defined success, frustration and rework are inevitable for both leaders and team members.

-Leaders often unintentionally skip the clarity step due to time pressure or lack of leadership training.

-Psychological safety is key: create a culture where asking for clarification is welcomed, not judged.

-Regular check-ins help reinforce expectations and prevent disconnects.

-Tools like kickoff meetings, shared language, and aligning daily tasks with big-picture goals foster ownership and engagement.

-Preparing people well is foundational, not optional, for strong performance and culture

Chapters

00:46 Preparing Expectations

04:35The Expectation Gap

12:46 Taking Time for Efficiency

15:04 Leadership Training for Leaders

19:44 Solutions to Clarify Expectations

22:38 Defining Success

32:44 Why Does This Matter?

35:44 Actionable Steps to Improve Clarity of Expectations

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/