Expectations, Energy & Alignment: The Power of Getting Clear from the Start

In business—and especially in the mortgage and coaching industries—we are constantly navigating human complexity. We work with people in all states of mind, life stages, and emotional readiness. And sometimes, we meet clients whose values, communication styles, or expectations don’t align with our own. This isn’t inherently bad—it’s human. But it does call for clarity, boundaries, and courageous communication from the outset.

Clarity Over Compatibility

When a client’s expectations or mindset feels misaligned, many professionals try to overcompensate. We work longer hours, give more than what was agreed to, and bend our own values trying to make it "work." But the truth is: not every client is a fit—and that’s okay.

According to a 2023 Forbes article on client alignment, 63% of service professionals report that unclear expectations were the root cause of project dissatisfaction. Getting ahead of this isn’t just a professional courtesy—it’s a strategic move that protects your time, energy, and emotional wellbeing.

Begin with this question:

What do I need to feel respected and successful in this working relationship?

Then, ask your clients:

What’s important to you in this process?

What are your expectations of me—and of yourself?

By addressing this early, you either find alignment—or save yourself from months of friction.

Trust Is Earned. Expectations Are Immediate.

Trust is built over time through consistent, reliable action. But expectations? They show up on day one. So the faster we create clarity around what's expected, the stronger the foundation.

Set expectations like:

You provide a full document package upfront.

You are committed to them as their broker or coach—and you expect that commitment in return.

You communicate via email or phone during set business hours.

You respond within X hours—and expect the same.

Communication Is a Non-Negotiable

The best client relationships are marked by clean, proactive communication. In your discovery calls and initial intake process, establish:

How you’ll communicate (Email? Phone? Text?)

When you’re available (What hours/days?)

What you’ll be communicating (updates, key decisions, guidance)

What you expect in return (timely documents, honest updates, respect for boundaries)

This clarity transforms the dynamic from reactive to collaborative.

Questions to Reflect On:

1. How can you integrate this into your current referral partner relationships? Maybe it’s time for a reset meeting to reaffirm shared values and expectations.

2. How can you bring this into your initial lead calls? Try including 3 values or non-negotiables in your call script and listen for alignment.

3. What can you do differently today to hold yourself accountable to what you truly deserve? Where have you said “yes” when your body said “no”? Where can you lovingly say “no” now?

The Bottom Line:

Every interaction is an energy exchange. Every agreement is a relationship. The more honest, clear, and aligned we are from the beginning, the less we’ll find ourselves frustrated, burned out, or energetically depleted. Lead with clarity, protect your energy, and remember—you deserve to work with people who value what you bring to the table.