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One of the absolute keys to a workplace that works is a level of honesty that encourages the truth when someone isn’t pulling his or her weight, candor between employees about each other’s efforts, and the straight stuff from everyone when it comes to feedback that can make a workplace improve.
When you agree to do something and then get hit with an obstacle, do you assume all bets are off? Or do you give yourself a moment to figure out how to get back on track because your integrity is at stake?
There’s no shortage of people who believe every promise is conditional on everything going right. “Yes, I know that was my quarterly goal, but the economy…”
“Yes, I know I said I’d finish that project, but I forgot that our family reunion was coming up that weekend, and I had to help plan the kids’ activities.”
“Sherri didn’t get her part of the report to me, so I wasn’t able to finish my part.”
Nothing will hold you back from success in life more than giving up when you hit a hurdle. When people who don’t “get it” hit a snag, they might say something like, “Things got too complicated, so I decided it just wasn’t worth it to keep on trying.” Those who create win after win in life respond differently—they throw their hearts over the bar, knowing the rest of the team will follow.
The language of those who win often is different, too. They say, “Well, things have changed, as they always do, so what do I need to do next so I can finish this project?”
If persistence is the key to success, then commitment is the breakfast of champions. When an obstacle comes your way, don’t waste time looking for ways to cave—look for all the ways you can clear that hurdle— in style. Why? Because you said you would.
You are as good as your word. You make or break your reputation based on what you commit to and when (and how) you deliver the goods.
Relationships are built on trust, and trust comes when commitments are kept.
Let neither rain, nor snow, nor any other obstacle stop you. If you’re tempted to toss in your cards when the odds start stacking up, just remember to commit to the power of your words—no less than one hundred percent.