You Get What You Inspect, Not Expect: The Art of Effective Leadership

As a CEO, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you cannot simply assume things will get done. Assumptions can lead to missed deadlines, unmet goals, and, ultimately, a failure to achieve the company’s strategic vision. However, there’s a fine line between ensuring accountability and becoming a micromanager. This is where the adage “You get what you inspect, not expect” becomes incredibly relevant. 

The Danger of Assumptions

Business moves fast, and it’s easy to assume that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and that tasks will be completed without a hitch. After all, we hire talented, capable individuals who are experts in their fields. Yet, without clear guidance, even the most talented employees can falter. Assumptions lead to ambiguity, and ambiguity can be the enemy of progress.

The Value of Metrics

To avoid the pitfalls of assumption, it’s essential to establish clear metrics and regularly evaluate progress. Metrics provide a tangible way to measure performance and ensure everyone is aligned with the company’s goals. They serve as a roadmap, guiding employees and teams toward their objectives.

When setting metrics, it’s important to ensure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. I am a big fan of the OKR framework. This clarity enables everyone to understand what success looks like and how it will be measured. Regularly reviewing these metrics keeps everyone accountable and focused.

Inspecting, Not Micromanaging

The phrase “You get what you inspect, not expect” underscores the importance of oversight without veering into micromanagement. Regular inspection means being engaged and aware of what’s happening in your organization. It involves setting up systems for reporting and accountability, holding regular check-ins, and providing feedback.

However, this doesn’t mean hovering over your employees’ shoulders or getting involved in every minor decision. Micromanagement can stifle creativity, reduce morale, and lead to burnout. Instead, the goal is to create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Balancing Act: Trust and Verification

Effective leadership is about finding the balance between trust and verification. Trust your team to do their jobs, but verify that they are on the right track. This approach fosters a culture of responsibility and growth. Employees feel empowered to take ownership of their work, knowing their efforts will be recognized and their progress monitored.

One effective strategy is to establish regular, structured check-ins. These can be weekly or bi-weekly meetings where teams report on their progress, discuss challenges, hold each other accountable, and plan the next steps. This not only keeps everyone on track but also provides an opportunity for leaders to offer support and guidance without micromanaging.

Celebrating Success and Learning from Failures

An often overlooked aspect of inspection is celebrating successes and learning from failures. Regularly inspecting progress means you can identify achievements and acknowledge them in a timely manner. This boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviors.

Equally important is recognizing when things aren’t going as planned. Early detection of issues allows for course corrections before problems escalate. Encouraging a culture of transparency where failures are seen as learning opportunities rather than setbacks is crucial. This mindset helps teams to innovate and improve continuously.

In conclusion, assuming things will get done is risky and can derail your company’s progress. By adopting the principle that “you get what you inspect, not expect,” leaders can ensure that their teams stay aligned with strategic goals, progress is regularly evaluated, and accountability is maintained. The key is to find the right balance between oversight and trust, avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. This approach drives success and empowers employees, leading to a more dynamic and resilient organization.

Effective leadership requires the wisdom to know when to step in and when to step back, always guided by the principle that careful inspection, not mere expectation, drives sustained success.