I can only speak for myself.
My parents always expected me to do my best grade-wise which was based on ability but ALWAYS GET THE HIGHEST MARKS FOR DEPORTMENT. That was not based on talent but on following rules, getting along with others. So I always got "E" (excellent) on deportment. I fulfilled those expectations. i also got good grades because I loved school.
My employers always expected me to perform at a certain level. To my knowledge I never disappointed a boss. I always tried to do more than expected. I felt I could grow and learn faster that way and get better by trying harder to perform to the expectations others had of me. I hope I exceeded them more often than I disappointed them.
Now if no one ever expected anything from me or of me I have no idea whom I would be. That's why I think having things expected of you is a very good thing. Do you?
