Select Page


When managing projects, expectations are key.

But which is more important—setting or getting them?

While both matter, getting expectations has the edge.

GETTING EXPECTATIONS involves gathering and clarifying stakeholder needs and goals. Without this foundation, you risk building your project plan on assumptions, leading to misalignment, delays, and dissatisfaction.

SETTING EXPECTATIONS, on the other hand, is about clearly communicating deliverables, timelines, and limitations. It’s vital for managing progress and accountability, but it’s only effective if you’ve accurately gathered expectations first.

The VERDICT: Getting expectations is slightly more critical because it lays the groundwork for successful planning. Without it, setting expectations won’t save you from potential conflicts or rework.

BOTTOM LINE: Get expectations right first, then set them clearly to keep your project on track and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

Link to the original LinkedIn post and comments.