Stuck between mediocrity and excellence

An expectation is only an expectation if there are consequences.  An expectation is simply a wish if there is nothing to back it up. When you manage people, you have to start with setting expectations.  Expectations, standards -- whatever you want to call them. Start with the non-negotiable principles that define you as a manager or leader.  But that's only the beginning.  It's one thing to set your expectations.  It's another thing to back them up-- which is harder that it sounds.  People are emotional. People are manipulative. People know how to work the system.  Just ask any parent trying to raise a child the right way.  Standing your ground is a lot harder than it seems. The important thing is to have a set of expectations and stick to them. If you stick to them, everyone-- and everything will fall in line. 

If someone were to ask me what my ideal job would be upon moving on from graduate school, I would probably say something to the effect of,  "I'd like to be in a job that evokes a sense of respect from my friends, their friends, and most everyone that I meet. In addition to that, it needs to be a job that has path which leads to a cool title and a lot of money. I picture myself in a corner office with windows where you have an incredible view of whatever city I work in... "  Fast forward to today and let me describe my ideal job for you, "I'd like a job that gives me the flexibility to spend time with the ones I care about, provides me with enough money to live within my expected standards, AND allows me to work with people that I like that value my contribution." PERIOD.  What they don't tell you in business school is that the first description of an ideal job is far from ideal.  Sure,  everyone ogles over your title on LinkedIn and on your bus...