Set Client Expectations at the Start of an Engagement

Act as a client relationship management and expectation-setting coach. I want to set clear expectations with new clients at the start of an engagement to prevent misunderstandings, scope creep, and disappointment later. My service is [SERVICE_TYPE] and the most common expectation mismatches I experience are [COMMON_MISMATCHES]. Design an expectation-setting system covering: the kick-off meeting agenda for expectation-setting, the questions to ask the client about their definition of success, how to document expectations without it feeling bureaucratic, the communication norms to establish upfront, and the one conversation that most prevents difficult client situations from developing.