Standards

We often use the terms expectation and standard interchangeably. Indeed they can be synonymous, but I want to suggest a way of making a very helpful distinction which can support our ability to select the best possible map for a given situation. To that end I suggest we use the terms in the following manner.

Expectation refers to the map we use to anticipate what is most likely to actually happen (perception).

Standard refers to the map we use to guide how we actually want our own behavior to be (choice).

Please notice that neither of these maps refers to how I want the other to behave, only to what I actually have reason to expect the other will do.

see also, Expectations and Standards