You’ve visited offices and watched employees and noticed the difference.

Some teams are amazingly energized, hustling, and productive.

Some teams are lethargic and slow, and they can barely find the energy to greet you at the door.

Why?

There are many reasons why the culture is so dramatically different from one office to the next. Usually, the differences are largely a reflection of the differences between the leadership of each team.

There is one thing the leaders of those energized, productive teams do that the other leaders aren’t doing.

What is it?

They’re asking for more. They have higher expectations. They assume their people can do more than they’re doing, and they demand it.

Steve Jobs was an extreme example of that kind of leader. He didn’t tolerate anything less than an extraordinary effort.

What are you willing to accept? What is it that you tolerate?

Is that person at your front desk a receptionist capable only of answering the phone and greeting guests with a smile? Or is she someone who can handle the desk and phone while managing a team of programmers in India developing an iPhone app for calculating child support while she keeps a group of law students on track as they develop content for your website?

What do you expect from her?

If all you expect is smile, greet, and answer, then that’s what you’re going to get. If you expect more, you’re going to get more. How much more?

She’ll do everything she can for you if you ask for it. She won’t always succeed, but she’ll give it her all, and you’ll get more than you’re getting now.

Give her a chance to live up to your expectations. Give her a chance to grow. Give her a chance to do something she never knew she could do.

Expect more and ask for it, and you’ll be that office with amazing energy, hustle, and productivity.