Expectations are TOUGH. You need some of them but not too many of them and they need to be just above where you are, so you strive to be more but not too high and they need to be realistic, so you feel motivated. How in the world can you make that work? Especially as a matrixed project manager who doesn’t know these folks very well.
Expectations are CRITICAL. This is what gives your team the belief that they can do it. But, can also demotivate them if it feels out of reach or not presented with appropriate belief.
How do you find that balance? You listen.