Through the 7 c's and the alignment cycle, we can ensure that we commit to clear expectations in our relationships.

1. committing to
clear expectations
7 c’s and the alignment cycle
a process for all relationships

2. Created 2012
by Tom Curtis
Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.com
Presentations: www.slideshare.net/onimproving
Email: ideamerchants@gmail.com
Twitter: @onimproving

3. expectations in relationships left misaligned
are a contract for pain unwittingly signed.

4. expectation-what we expect
to happen or to be required of
us in a situation or relationship

5. the
process

6. the 7 c’s
• craft
• confess co-develop
• convey
the
• co-develop alignment
cycle
• clarify convey clarify
• commit enter exit (when clear)
• check

7. the
start

8. craft
the
expectation

9. craft
We need to create our expectations with care.
If they are not well thought through, they will
have unforeseen consequences that we should
have avoided. This can be disastrous. We
should craft our expectations to motivate us
and align with our goals and principles.

10. confess
the
likely gap

11. confess
Expectations are often between individuals or
groups. We usually assume that others view
and understand things in the same way and
manner that we do. This is rarely true. We
must confess the likely gap that exists. This
prepares us to enter the alignment cycle.

12. the
alignment
cycle

13. co-develop
Here is where the
the
rubber meets the road... alignment
cycle
convey clarify
enter exit (when clear)
The next 3 steps make up the alignment cycle. This
is a cycle because it will often need to be run more
than once. The focus of this cycle is to remove the
gap we confessed in the last set and to exit with
clear expectations that all will commit to.

14. convey
the
expectation

15. convey
In the first step of the alignment cycle both
parties convey to the other their expectations
or their separate interpretations of the
“shared” expectation. This will help to establish
the misalignment or gap to be worked on
together in the next steps.

16. co-develop
the
expectation

17. co-develop
In this step we work together to close the
alignment gap. We may explore and adjust the
expectation shared or craft new expectations
together. We need to be honest and open
with what we understand, need or want. In
the next step we will clarify to ensure what
we have co-developed are aligned.

18. clarify
the
expectation

19. clarify
This must be a no assumption zone. We
must seek understanding and clarity.
Consider. Ask. Restate. Discuss. Repeat.
Decide and spell out how it will be checked.
Be open. Be honest. Be patient. This step
sets up what we will commit to. If we are
not ready to commit, we should cycle back
to the convey step.

20. the
close

21. commit
the
expectation

22. commit
Formalize the agreement.
Put it in writing.
Ensure it is clear.
Plan when it will be checked.

23. check
the
expectation

24. check
This is not usually exciting but is a must. It
is often a forgotten step. This is where we
ensure our commitments are kept. This is
the follow up. We must build it into the
expectation and into the commitment. We
should strive to make it easy to do. This
will increase the likelihood we do it.