# Expectations By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-09-18 Expectations can be problematic within organizations, especially surrounding decisions. Ideas and outcomes that conform to what people expect are generally accepted. Those that are radically different tend to be rejected. Notice that neither the acceptance nor rejection has anything to do with the correctness of the result. How many great ideas have been rejected simply because they were too ahead of their time for the organization to accept them? Organizations are conservative in the sense that they focus on replication. Rule number 1: Do those things that will perpetuate the institution. Things that have worked in the past conform to this rule. However, looking at organizational failures reveals that doing what worked in the past is also a way to fail. These examples are often ignored or rationalized. Organizational expectations shape and constrain decision-making. Analysts are in a difficult position to help inform decision-making and overcome the bias of expectations. Doing so effectively is essential. Little attention is given to this aspect of this organizational context in the training and development of analysts. Whereas it is not part of the formal training process, effective analysts observe its import and work to develop the skills required to help organizations move beyond their limited and limiting expectations. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Organization]] [[Decision-making]] [[Work]] [[Ideas]] [[Failure]]