Silence Quote by Todd Henry
““When there is silence around expectations, we will sometimes fill the gap and artificially escalate our expectations beyond even where the organization would set them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Possibility, Todd Henry, 2014
When expectations are unclear, people tend to overestimate what they can achieve, often exceeding realistic limits set by the organization.
In simple terms: Unclear expectations cause people to over‑promise.
Key Takeaway
Clarify expectations early.
Themes
communication
expectations
overconfidence
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advisory
motivational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- project planning
- performance reviews
Key Concepts
psychology
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make expectations transparent?
- What mechanisms prevent over‑escalation?
A Different Perspective
If expectations are too vague, the gap can lead to disappointment.
