I’ve recently participated in my first LinkedIn industry post. The long version of my response is below.

When working with limited resources in research, managing expectations becomes a crucial part of the process. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Start by aligning stakeholders on what is most achievable with the available resources. Set specific, realistic goals that address the primary business question, and explain how these goals serve as a focus for your research.

2. Prioritize High-Impact Insights: With limited resources, it’s essential to concentrate on insights that will have the most significant impact. Communicate to stakeholders that the focus will be on high-priority areas that drive actionable results, rather than trying to cover everything.

3. Be Transparent About Limitations: Highlight the constraints early on and explain how they may impact the scope or depth of the findings. Providing a clear understanding of what can and can’t be achieved helps set realistic expectations and avoid surprises later.

4. Deliver Incremental Results: Rather than waiting for a comprehensive final report, provide regular updates or preliminary findings. This way, stakeholders see progress and can provide feedback, which keeps expectations in check and allows adjustments along the way.

5. Focus on Storytelling: When presenting findings, frame insights as part of a narrative that resonates with stakeholders’ goals. This allows even limited findings to feel meaningful and connected to strategic objectives, enhancing their perceived value.

By managing expectations through transparency, prioritization, and storytelling, you ensure that limited resources still deliver meaningful impact.