You reputation as a leader is at stake everyday. Make sure you do what you say you are going to do.My favorite leadership reading except my new book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I have had it on my desk for years. I look through it from time to time to remind myself of some of the important messages.
There is a piece on page 193 that is titled “Keeping Commitments.”
Keeping a commitment is a big deal in life, and perhaps one of the most important. There is probably not a more important thing for you to do than keep commitments that you make to someone—and especially when it is important to that person.
Make your commitments carefully to protect your reputation and credibility.
Do not make commitments to anyone in business or in your personal life unless you are prepared to keep those commitments, which I would just say is another way of saying, keep your promises.
Saying you forgot is not a good excuse. If you have good intentions but often do forget, then for crying out loud, go take a time/life management class before no one believes you when you make a promise and forget to keep it.
I cannot even imagine telling my wife Priscilla or my grandchildren or my team that I forgot to follow through on a commitment/promise that I made to them.
Think about it! . . . Lee
Short blog, big message…
We can only be responsible for our own words, count on those with the reputation for keeping theirs and have faith others have the same commitment.
Recalling emotions, turmoil experienced, and the damaged reputations when others have failed to follow through with their commitments, should serve as a personal reminder of the importance of our word.
“Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.” James Cash Penney
Lee