Clearly, managing people is the most difficult aspect of project management, if not life in general. This article explains how to do it properly.

The importance of controlling expectations should not be underestimated by managers. In actuality, the reality of controlling expectations is based on three simple guidelines:

• Managers convey their expectations to their employees both verbally and nonverbally.
• People are aware of their manager’s expectations both consciously and unconsciously.
• People behave in ways that are in line with their boss’s expectations.

People exceed more often than not in reaction to their manager’s performance message. When a manager fails to communicate his or her expectations in a clear and unambiguous manner, it can jeopardize someone’s performance. Despite the fact that a manager’s expectations are often subtle, the manager’s team catches up on them both consciously and subconsciously. It could be as simple as a manager who fails to compliment one employee’s performance as frequently as he or she compliments the performance of another. It could also be a manager who talks less to a specific person or who does not share ideas or personal items with that person. Yes, people notice these minor details because they are evident to them.

Improve your relationships

Relationships are important to great leaders. They understand who people are, what matters to them, and what drives them. Knowing this can help you better understand their objectives and how you may help them achieve them. People will care about you and your objectives if you help them.

Employees’ self-esteem and performance will suffer as a result of inexperienced management.

That’s correct. When a manager is talented and has high expectations for an employee, the employee’s self-confidence rises, his or her talents develop more quickly, and the individual’s performance improves.