Where is that darn unicorn? The one that looks kind of blue…or maybe it’s pink? Yesterday, wasn’t it purple?
A critical aspect of planning, organizing and executing events is managing expectations. Staff have a certain level of expectation regarding the event which tends to be drastically different than what your guests will expect which is still different from your major donors and funders. There are millions of different details swirling and it’s important to keep in mind that expectations and perception are everything.
Here are 3 keys to managing expectations:
- Find Solutions: Work hard to find solutions. There are going to be hiccups, redirects and changes in the plans but an important key is to find solutions. Continue to experiment, brainstorm and explore when it’s a priority. You just never know when or where you’ll find the right solution.
- Keep Communication Open: When things seem to be going awry and may be headed in the wrong direction, be sure to communicate appropriately and honestly. One of the worst things that could happen is to surprise people when it’s too late. Instead, ask for help. It’s ok to ask and helps keep the lines of communication open.
- Keep Your Sense of Humor: No matter what, always keep your sense of humor. People are looking to you for leadership and guidance, show them it’s never as bad as it seems and there’s always something we can learn.
Sometimes it feels like we have to continually find that magical unicorn…whether it’s to find donated food, figure out how to work through a permitting system, identify a new way to find funding or recruit volunteers at the last minute…there’s always something. I promise, sometimes…when you least expect, that unicorn is around the corner. Keep trying!