Ever leave a meeting wondering what, if anything, will happen as a result? Ever been surprised when people come to a meeting and report that they did not complete the actions they agreed upon in the last meeting?
Of course, we all have. And we’ve experienced the same issues in other ways:
- -Ever commit to do something and then, as the date gets closer, wish you could be let off the hook for delivery?
- -Ever wish that you could call and check on something but worry about being seen as micromanaging?
- -Ever assign a task to someone simply because they are the one team member you can rely upon when something must get done?
Giving and keeping your word is important, but in our hectic, overwhelmed, excuse-filled world, it’s often missing. That’s why if you establish a reputation of reliably fulfilling your commitments, you’ll stand out. People will love to have you as a colleague.
What does it mean to give and keep your word? People who are known for their reliability do the following:
- -are specific in what they say they will do
- -include a completion date
- -call and renegotiate when required
- -provide updates on progress if appropriate
- -keep a list of everything they have promised
- -don’t offer excuses for nonperformance
None of the following are commitments: I’ll look into it; sounds like a good idea; I’ll give it my best; let me check with my team; let me see what I can do.
These are expressions that well-intended people use when they agree with what is being asked of them. The intent is good, but execution is at risk because completion dates are missing. And only when a completion date is included do people become clear about their responsibility to take action.
Sometimes, life gets in the way…
People who keep their word occasionally find that completing a task is either not going to happen as planned or a shift in priority has occurred. When that happens, they call immediately and discuss the situation with the person to whom they committed. Together, they decide what is best:
- -stick with the original date
- -change the date
- -revoke the commitment
- -find an alternative way to get the task completed as originally determined
The point is that the exchange and delivery of commitments is dynamic because circumstances often change. As soon as the due date is in jeopardy, effective people talk and come up with a new commitment that makes sense to both parties. What’s important is that there are no surprises.
Keep a record of your promises
Often commitments are not kept because we lose track of what we have promised. Take a moment and write down everything that you have promised to your boss, team, colleagues, kids, partner, and friends. Include those actions where you didn’t actually promise, but someone expects or wants you to do it.
Not many people in life will ask you to do X by Y, so it’s up to you to hear every hint as a possible direct request and make the expectations clear for both parties.
The palest ink is better than the strongest memory.
—Chinese proverb
I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.
—Robert Frost
For more on ways to transform meetings, check out Make Meetings Matter>>