Why wouldn't he set expectations? That seems very odd for a good leader to have not done.I don't think he had "awkward, difficult conversations" with anyone and I don't think he came into this job busting out standards and expectations at all. In fact, the article more or less speaks to his style and it's nothing like you describe here.
You are definitely correct in the 2nd half of your post, but the first part is way off the mark.