Some leaders get what they ask for. They get nothing out of the people of whom they expect nothing. A leader's attitude toward people can determine the response people give, therefore, adult leaders should raise their expectations.

If we don't really expect them to respond to our instructions or encouragement, frankly, they'll give you want you asked for. It's called the self-fulfilling prophecy phenomenon. People respond the way they think the leader really wants, even though the leader's instructions or requests may seem contradictory to what they think the leader expects. Confusing, isn't it?

Consider five principles that apply here.

  1. We form certain expectations of people or events.

  2. We communicate those expectations with various cues, many of which are nonverbal.

  3. People tend to respond to these cues by adjusting their behavior to match the cues.

  4. The result is that the original expectations become true.

  5. This creates a perpetual circle of expectations and short-falls in meeting those expectations.

You can take some specific actions that will help you avoid the mistake of becoming an example of the self-fulfilling prophecy. Try these ideas.

Talk about the problem

Talk with leaders and learners about the challenges of being a transformation center for adults. Explain why spiritual transformation is important. Discuss how the issues of life are destroying families and moving us away from God. Survey learners to determine where their strengths lie. Once you know where people are strong, you can enlist them to accept leadership or service opportunities that are consistent with their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

Hold people accountable

Granted, you are serving in a volunteer organization. You cannot force people to accept or carry out certain assignments. But when someone accepts a task, hold that person accountable.

Spell out expectations on the front end

Identify the requirements for successfully completing the task, others who may be available to work with the person you want to enlist, explain how they can recognize success, and schedule periodic meetings with the person if the task is ongoing or requires more than a week or two to complete. If the task is short-term, schedule a meeting after the task is complete.

Be a constant affirmer and encourager

People like to know they are doing or have done a good job. They want to feel wanted and needed. Positive words and actions from you will go a long way to better performance at greater tasks as time goes along.

Whatever your vocation or aspiration, you can increase your impact on others by becoming a person of influence. Learn simple, insightful ways to interact more positively with others, and watch your personal and organizational success go off the charts.