Target Canada closing – the result of mismanaged expectations.

Target Canada announced early this morning they were closing all 133 Canadian locations and pulling out – lock, stock and barrel. After less than two years! What seemed a sure thing has quickly crumbled to the point of being what is target1described as “an epic failure.” It is sure to be one that will be studied in marketing and merchandising courses for years to come. And it is a lesson in mismanaged expectations.

It’s not enough to understand expectations, we’ve got to manage them!

This morning I spoke with a woman who attended a seminar and bought the book over a year ago. She was excited to share how it has helped her. Her words continue to ring in my ears: “Your book has revolutionized the way I manage my life.”

Are you vocalizing what you expect?

Why do we only hear about their expectations after the opportunity has passed? Why didn’t they voice their desire before, so we could address it? What expectation are you not vocalizing that matters to you?

Analyzing my expectations means determining how realistic they are.

The question I am asked the most often is: “How do I know if my expectations are realistic?” The fact of the matter is that no one but you can make that analysis. And here is how to do it.

Managing our expectations begins with realizing what they are.

I compare realizing our expectations to wearing eyeglasses. Most of the time I’m unaware I’m wearing my glasses. (Unless they are as cloudy and in need of cleaning as they are right now!) They are simply the way I see the world. It’s the same with my expectations. I may not be aware of them, […]