Are you a person of your word? Is your ‘yes’, yes and ‘no’, no? Perhaps your word is… maybe? Or… I don’t know? But most important, if there is a change in your thinking or actions, do you let others know? If other people are relying on what you have said then what you say takes on incredible importance and should never be given lightly. Yes?
I really can’t think of anything that’s more important than being a person of your word. Quite honestly, how can anyone believe in/rely on what you say if you aren’t? And excuses really aren’t sufficient. It is not enough to say (typically after the fact) “…what I really meant was…” or “…things changed so I couldn’t (or didn’t)…” or “…I knew you’d understand when I didn’t…” You have just called your character into question. Minimally you’d have caused the other person to wonder if you are reliable.
A far better approach is to, as much as possible, ALWAYS let those who would be affected by a change in what your expected action would be to know as soon as you’ve changed. If the choice is between looking silly for changing (or for not taking the new approach initially) and letting them know versus letting them believe what you had initially intended would occur – choose letting them know. What will happen to your reputation and relationships when you do not let others know is far worse than letting them know.
And yes… I realize that there is a probability that no one is 100% spot on with this quality, but I do believe it is something we can all aspire to. To be known as a person of your word has to be one of the highest accolades one can receive. Consistent, reliable, trustworthy, dependable are not qualities to play fast and loose with – you have to cultivate them. Bottom line is that you have to be a person of your word.
…but, what do you think? what do you believe?
