In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller dive into the pervasive and often misunderstood topic of "high expectations." While most leaders strive to raise the bar, they often see the same patterns repeat: the same students doing the thinking and the same staff carrying the load. Kim and Eve explore the research behind why this happens, revealing that high expectations are not just a mindset, but a visible environment created by thousands of micro-decisions.

Listeners will be guided through a visualization exercise to understand how belief shifts behavior, from the feedback we give to the opportunities we offer. The hosts unpack four research-backed practices to disrupt low-expectation cycles: conducting an "Opportunity Audit," separating a student's "snapshot" from their potential "pathway," utilizing "Wise Feedback," and pairing challenge with structural support. This episode challenges educators to examine their default settings and intentionally design cultures where growth is the norm, not the exception.

Our Staff Booster: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/lim_staffbooster_episode23?x=63yTZl

Download the Handout: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/podcast_handout_epis-23?x=63yTZl

Hosts:

Kim Yaris, M.Ed. Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Eve Miller, Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:42) Podcast intro

(00:42 - 01:49) The expectation gap

(01:49 - 04:24) Visualizing belief versus doubt

(04:24 - 06:28) Expectations as environments

(06:28 - 08:46) How expectations leak out

(08:46 - 10:45) Cycles of expectations

(10:45 - 13:21) Balancing efficiency and expectation

(13:21 - 16:21) Labels and self-perception

(16:21 - 18:24) Practice 1: Opportunity Audit

(18:24 - 19:35) Practice 2: Snapshot vs Pathway

(19:35 - 20:30) Practice 3: Wise Feedback

(20:30 - 21:54) Practice 4: Challenge and Support

(21:54 - 23:00) Closing thoughts

High Expectations: Belief, Behavior, or Both?