Inspect What You Expect

Years ago, I heard a simple phrase that sounded clever at the time, but I didn’t grasp its real power until much later:

Inspect what you expect.

At first, it seemed obvious. Of course, you should check on what you’ve asked someone to do. But the depth of this principle didn’t hit me until I watched leaders—myself included—fail to live it out.

How you release someone to handle a task or project often determines whether they succeed or fail. It’s not just about assigning work and hoping for the best. Leadership means setting people up to win. That requires intentionality. Here are some guidelines to help:

1. Do they actually know what they’re doing?

Before you hand off an assignment, make absolutely sure they have the skill set. Don’t stop at asking, “Do you know how to do this?” If they say yes, invite them to demonstrate. It’s not distrust; it’s wise stewardship. The goal is to confirm they’re equipped, not just willing.

2. Do they understand their boundaries?

Clarity protects everyone. Make sure they know not only what they can do, but also what they can’t. A lack of clear boundaries can empower the wrong person to make decisions that could compromise your integrity or your organization’s standards.

3. Do they have a clear timeline?

Ambiguity kills momentum. Be specific about deadlines. Also, create an environment where they feel safe to tell you if they hit a snag. They should know it’s better to admit a delay early than to hide it and hope for the best.

4. Will they try to pull you into micromanaging?

Sometimes people you delegate to will default back to you—out of fear or insecurity—wanting constant guidance. If that happens, gently address it. Encourage their confidence and remind them you trust them to take ownership.

5. Are you planning to inspect what you expect?

This is where it all comes together. You must check in. 

• Tell them upfront that you’ll be following up, not to criticize, but to ensure they’re successful.  Share a short list of what you’ll be looking for.

Either way, regular inspection helps you catch small issues before they become big ones. It also communicates that you care about the outcome—and about them.

At the end of the day, great leadership is proactive, not reactive. Set people up to thrive, and then follow through. Remember: Inspect what you expect. It’s not micromanaging—it’s good leadership.