My nephew is on his high school basketball team and had to sign a contract before he was allowed to travel on an overnight trip. This document filled an entire page with 16 expectations explicitly spelled out, and the athlete had to initial each one to indicate acceptance.
Examples included:
- I am expected to give full cooperation and respect to chaperones, coaches, hotel staff, restaurant staff, bus drivers, event staff, other coaches, opponents, and fellow teammates.
- All athletes are expected to be in their rooms by 10:30 pm, with lights out at 11:00 pm.
- A key to my room must be left with my coach or chaperone at all times, that regular bed checks may be made and that curfews will be strictly enforced.
- No members of the opposite sex are allowed in my room for any reason.
- Myself, clothing, luggage and other material goods may be searched if there is a concern about the possession of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons, or other harmful items or substances.
The document also outlines the specific steps that will be taken if there is a violation of any of the policies, including immediate return home, at the parents’ expense, before the trip has concluded. The student and a parent must sign the contract, in addition to the legal waiver and liability release.
It struck me that the expectations for a high school basketball trip are more clearly outlined than is the case for most employees.
I’ve heard from several clients recently about their employees not performing well, and I wonder if the employees know what “well” looks like. Whether about behavior, timing, the work product, or how they interact with others, being incredibly clear up front serves to help align expectations — or make it easier to take corrective action if they aren’t met.
