Raise Your Expectations: People Rise to the Standards You Enforce

Oct 28 / Steve Lowisz

Why Leadership Standards Matter More Than Ever

We live in a world where comfort is king. We make things easier, simpler, more “inclusive” — and in doing so, we sometimes quietly lower the bar.

But here’s the truth:
Every time we lower a standard, we lower someone’s potential.

Whether it’s in leadership, business, or personal growth — the moment we stop expecting more, we stop inspiring growth.

The Leadership Drift — When “Good Enough” Becomes the Goal

The Subtle Decline of Standards

It starts with good intentions.
We want people to feel supported.
We want to avoid conflict.
We want to keep morale high.

So we tell ourselves, “It’s fine — they’ll do better next time.” But over time, “fine” becomes the new normal.

Lowering standards doesn’t protect people — it limits them. When you remove the challenge, you remove the opportunity for growth. Psychologists call this the Golem Effect — when leaders communicate lower expectations, people tend to perform worse.

“The more we lower the bar to protect feelings, the more we erode fulfillment.”

People don’t thrive on ease — they thrive on excellence.

Excellence Exists Because of Standards

The Power of Standards in Elite Cultures

Think about the Navy SEALs.
If their training became easier because too few candidates were passing, would we still call them the best of the best?

Their greatness exists because of their standards, not in spite of them.

The same is true in leadership.
When belonging becomes effortless, belonging loses meaning.
Excellence can’t exist without demand.

A 2022 study found that leaders who set high expectations — paired with clarity and feedback — drive stronger engagement and performance.

High standards don’t break people — they build them.

Why Leaders Keep Lowering the Bar

The Real Reasons Behind Lower Expectations

Let’s be honest — it’s not because we don’t know better. It’s because we’re human.

We fear:

  • Losing people we value
  • Being seen as “too harsh”
  • Facing discomfort or confrontation


But when we lead from fear, we start trading long-term strength for short-term comfort.

Leadership isn’t about being comfortable. It’s about courage — the courage to expect more from yourself and those around you.

As Smollan’s 2024 study points out, ambiguous or shifting standards erode motivation faster than any other leadership failure.

The Balance Between Pressure and Support

Belief Turns Pressure Into Growth

Raising expectations doesn’t mean becoming ruthless.

Without belief and support, standards are just pressure. But when you combine high expectations with coaching, encouragement, and clarity — you ignite performance.

“Standards without support are pressure. Standards with belief and coaching — that’s leadership.”

According to a 2025 leadership study, when expectations are too high without adequate support, employees disengage — proving that belief is the bridge between pressure and performance.

People don’t rise to suggestions — they rise to expectations.

How to Raise Standards Without Breaking Your Team

  • 1. Communicate the “Why” Behind the Standard
    Connect expectations to purpose.
    People commit to meaning, not metrics.
    Research by Jacobsen & Andersen found that clear standards paired with consistent feedback significantly increase motivation.
  • 2. Be Consistent — Every Time
    Once you compromise a standard, people remember.
    Consistency builds trust.
  • 3. Model It First
    If you want commitment, demonstrate it.
    People mirror what they see.
  • 4. Coach Through Belief
    Don’t coddle — challenge with confidence.
    “I know you can do better” is a powerful phrase.
  • 5. Celebrate Progress
    Excellence is a journey.
    Recognize every step forward.
To bring these ideas into practice — aligning standards with ownership and performance — download our in-depth guide, A Positive Approach to Accountability. It walks you through the five pillars of accountability, shows how to support your team’s ownership, and sustain high performance.

Leadership Isn’t About Being Liked — It’s About Being Trusted

Courage Over Comfort

True leadership requires courage — the courage to expect more, to confront mediocrity, and to believe in people more than they believe in themselves.

Being liked is easy.
Being trusted is earned.

When you raise your expectations with clarity, belief, and consistency…
people rise to meet them.

Explore more on trust and leadership culture.

Building a Culture That Rises Together

  • Lowering standards lowers performance.
  • High expectations + belief = engagement and growth.
  • Consistency and courage define true leadership.
  • Excellence is contagious when modeled and rewarded.

Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey

Are you ready to raise the standard in your organization?
👉 Schedule a Leadership Strategy Session with our team at Lowisz Leadership Group — and discover how clarity, accountability, and belief can transform your leadership culture.
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