Day 1 Expectations

Whether it’s a new employee, a student, or a mentee, I set the same expectations on day one. It sounds something like this…

I’m not perfect. I try really hard, and I care immensely. I don’t expect you to be perfect, and I know you’ll try really hard and care immensely. You wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t true.

What I do expect—from myself and you—is a growth mindset. We’re here to learn and to improve, together. That requires patience—with my mentorship, and with your own developing clinical self. Nothing starts off great, and that’s okay.

Feedback is the cornerstone of how we will work together. I want your feedback on what’s working and what isn’t,  and I will give you feedback in return. Feedback is rarely comfortable, but if we can set some guidelines it’ll be productive.  

Here’s what feedback should be: timely, constructive, grounded in “seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Here’s what feedback should not be: personal, a surprise.

When we set these expectations early, we create an environment where learning is safe, growth is encouraged, and we all get better—together.