As leaders, we have certain standards—things we expect and would like to see from the people who report to us. However, sometimes I feel that we don’t express those expectations clearly enough. We might not say it directly, but there’s often an unspoken assumption that the people reporting to us should figure it out on their own. Unfortunately, they rarely do. I remember early in my career working for a leader and feeling uncertain about what was expected of me. It put me at a disadvantage, and I realized how important it is to provide clarity for those we lead.

One tool I use to help my team understand my expectations is an acronym: I.C.A.R.E. I chose this because I believe most people who come to work genuinely care. They want to contribute their best and make a meaningful impact. My role as a leader is to facilitate that and make it happen. I.C.A.R.E. is a simple way to bring together the desire to contribute with the guidance they need to do so effectively.

Here’s what I.C.A.R.E. stands for:

I – Initiative
I want my team members to feel empowered to take action on the things they believe are important. They don’t need to wait for my permission every time—they should feel confident in taking initiative and making decisions.

C – Courage
In any organization, there are times when we see things that could be done differently—whether it’s with customers, within the organization, or in a process. I encourage my team to have the courage to speak up when they see an opportunity for improvement.

A – Accountability
Being accountable means being committed to something and delivering on it. We’ll have discussions about what needs to be done, but once we agree on what should be accomplished, I expect my team to follow through and deliver.

R – Results
While effort is important, it’s the results that truly matter. It’s great when people try hard, but simply trying without delivering the expected results isn’t enough. We must focus on achieving the outcomes that make a difference.

E – Enthusiasm
Work should be enjoyable. I love being at work, and I want my team to feel the same. Enthusiasm and enjoyment are key to making the journey worthwhile, and I want everyone to embrace that energy as part of their experience.

This I.C.A.R.E. framework helps me communicate my expectations clearly and gives my team a structure for contributing to their fullest potential. By using this approach, I can help them feel empowered, engaged, and focused on what really matters.