Expectations and
abilities have to
be in harmony

Problems arise when expectations do not meet various realities that workers may face. People must move from unrealistic fantasies to goals that can be achieved given the resources that they possess and those that can be acquired in the future.

One resource is the abilities that workers possess. People may expect to do well if they pursue their goals in a certain occupation, but they may not possess the necessary abilities. Coaches and teachers are often faced with the terribly difficult dilemma of counseling young people whose abilities do not meet their expectations. Adults want to encourage young people, but they often have to introduce reality during discussions concerning the level of ability needed for success in various pursuits.

Participation in youth sports is a clear example. Young athletes may have the expectations that a Division I scholarship will pay their college expenses. But coaches and teachers often must intervene and caution high school athletes that the competition for college scholarships is intense. For the most selective universities, students must demonstrate both athletic and academic abilities.

People in Hawaii are familiar with another example of expectations and abilities. Thousands of residents travel to Las Vegas with the expectations of winning a great deal of money. Some feel that they have abilities that will lead to the accomplishment of their goal. They feel that they are good blackjack players, can identity slot machines that are ready to pay off, and have a system for winning at roulette. Many times, their abilities are overwhelmed by the odds that favor the casinos. This reminds me of an old joke:

Question: What do casino owners say to gamblers who feel that they have a system that will guarantee big winnings.

Answer: "Welcome!"

People can bring various abilities to the workplace. Abilities nurtured as part of people's formal education include verbal skills, mathematics, and a general knowledge of local, national, and world events. People who have the ability to work well with others, also known as social skills, will always be in high demand. Other abilities include spatial skills, important in the work of architects and engineers.

Physical abilities such as balance, ability, and stamina are important for athletes and dancers.

Intrapersonal skills, including the possession of accurate self-knowledge concerning how a person is seen and judged by others, are important for anyone who participates in an organization's marketing activities. Abrasive and self-centered people often do not possess the ability to understand their effect on others.

These people become unpleasant coworkers, even though they populate the ranks of interesting television reality show participants given the conflicts they generate.

Abilities are not set in concrete at birth. People can develop their abilities as part of their formal education, extracurricular activities during their school years, job experiences and community service projects. People are well advised to nurture close relationships with teachers, counselors, and mentors who can offer advice concerning skills development. Given good relationships with these trusted advisers, people can ask, "What abilities should I continue to develop given my career goals and expectations?"