Meet Commitments. Build Trust. Say No.

Who do you trust?

Probably those who you determine are reliable. So, those who don't keep their promises quickly lose the trust of their friends and colleagues.

Before you commit to a new project or obligation, be sure you can fulfill it. If you really aren't certain, then say so. It's better to simply disappoint someone now than show up empty-handed on the day of your big promise. If, despite your best effort, you think you'll miss a deadline or milestone, then contact the other person and explain what has happened. We've all been in similar situations and again: disappointment is a lot different than "I can' trust you."

5 Ways To Become Reliable

1. Before you agree to a new obligation, check that you have enough time--then keep your promise. 

2. Say "no" to demands that may stretch you past your capacity. This means being honest with yourself, about yourself, first.

3. Be honest and realistic about the scope of work and related deadlines.

4. Quickly alert people when you know there will be a delay.

Note: Thanks to a comment and reminder from "Lean" afficionado Jamie Flinchbaugh, this isn't a matter of "Oh, I'm going to be late." It may very well be the beginning of a renegotiation of the project. If the boss tells you "that's the date," you'll need to lay out everything else that's on your calendar and re-prioritize together. FYI: I have seen more than one boss say, "You committed to it, I announced it would be done, do it regardless of the other 'stuff'." Which underscores the point: Be thoughtful and careful about your commitments.

5. Meet deadlines and create trust.

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Speaking of reliablity: How about a reliable source for those of you who are thinking about a business start-up?

My online friend and serial entrepreneur, GL Hoffman, has written a small book called Startup: 100 Tips To Get Your Business Going. There are over 100 short paragraph answers in the book, such as:

1.  Should you jump in and save every sales situation?  Number 59.  This answer makes you a leader.

2.  Do you have to know everything that's happening?  Number 39.

3.  What is the one thing that makes people join  your new company? Number 38.

4.  Is having fun at work over-rated?  Number 6.

5.  Why is firing someone at your startup extra hard?  Number 7.

6.  Why do you have to be an energy-creator?  Number 96.

7.  Why you don't want your people to worry like you are worrying.  Number 82.

8.  Why the "new guy" could be doing more harm than good.  Number 66.

9.  Why you shouldn't trust those who say they can help you raise money.  Number 67

10. What is the biggest sign of a culture that is developing badly?  Number 54.

11. Are your customers always right in a startup?  Number 47.
12.  On the priority list for a startup, where does SALES rank?  Number 30.
13.  What one thing can you do to motivate yourself? Number 23.

Darned good deal from a guy who has started and sold a lifetime-worth of companies.

Comments

[Jamie Flinchbaugh]

Good post, and it points to the idea that trust is more than just intention but requires you to have a good process behind it.

I think #4 must go beyond notification. I believe it is renegotiation. You need to understand what the consequences of are the delay. This may require you to renegotiate. That is fine, it happens to everyone. If it never happened to you, then you probably never made a commitment.

The line of inquiry is "what damage does that cause you?" If it's "none" then it is an easy renegotiation. If there is damage, then it depends on what you are able to, and willing to, do in order to rectify it.

Jamie F

[Shavitfunding]

Great Post! Thanks for sharing ideas..

[Steve Roesler]

Jamie,

You know, there is a downside to having done something for a long time. That is, one makes assumptions that certain things are "obvious" when they aren't.

I'm talking about your observation of #4. In my mind, it "goes without saying" that there would be re-negotiation. Which proves your point that nothing 'goes without saying' and that #4 appears to be a totally one-way suggestion.

So, I'm modifying it to include your observation and contribution. Keep writing. . .

[lv]

If only more people followed this advice, it seems so obvious yet it rarely happens in my experience.

[adenais]

This post is very helpful. I know that these tips will surely work. I'll try these suggestions and hope to see a positive outcome. Thanks for sharing this Steve!