High Expectations
American inventor and businessman Charles Kettering said, “High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectations.” When we have high expectations for ourselves and everyone around us, we create a culture of high expectations. Excellence occurs within that space.
People frequently meet our expectations of them, whatever those expectations may be. If we have low expectations of them, they will usually perform poorly. On the other hand, if we challenge people with high expectations, they often rise to the occasion and perform at levels even higher than they thought possible. The supervisor’s expectations often shape the expectations and performance of the subordinate. The subordinate’s expectations and attitudes are manifested in their behaviors.
It is also important that our expectations are realistic and achievable. Unrealistic expectations are not only unachievable, they are counterproductive. Unrealistic expectations cause individuals to fail to meet their goals and objectives. They undermine personal confidence and detract from intrinsic motivation and self-satisfaction. We must strive to seek the balance between high and realistic expectations if we are to elicit the positive outcomes that lead to excellence.
Sam Walton stated, “High expectations are the key to everything.” In 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas. By 1990, the company had become the largest retailer in the United States. Walmart was and remains the largest employer in many rural communities across the country. Today, Walmart operates over 11 thousand retail stores in 27 countries across the globe.
Weatherford College and our broader community embrace a culture of high expectations. What not so long ago seemed impossible has now become a vibrant reality. It is exciting to ponder our shared future. I am not certain as to what it will exactly look like, but I do know that the best is yet to come!
Tod Allen Farmer
President, Weatherford College