Keeping Your Commitments in the Workplace
Alice Tutunjian
Keeping commitments in the workplace, as in all other aspects of life, is critical.
When you don’t keep a commitment, think about how it impacts the other person. We asked people how they felt when others didn’t keep their commitments. These are the verbs they used to describe their feelings:
- Angry / Furious / Mad
- Annoyed
- Disappointed / Let Down
- Disturbed
- Frustrated
- Irritated
Do you get the picture? It’s not pretty. Is that the image you want to project in the world, someone who causes pain because she doesn’t keep her commitments?
If you commit to doing something, then you need to follow through.
People rely on each other in the workplace to complete projects/tasks and often they are dependent on others’ commitments before they can accomplish their own obligations. Domino effect!
You will not be able to forge successful relationships with others, nor build trust without keeping your commitments. People need to be able to rely on you and your word.
Practice these good habits:
If for some reason you cannot meet a commitment, have the courtesy to let the other person (s) know in advance why you can’t. Don’t wait until the last minute
- Don’t commit to something unless you can actually deliver
- Learn to say “No” if you are already overwhelmed and know that you won’t be able to keep the commitment
- Ask for help in advance rather than drop the ball later
- Know your limits. Often we over-commit thinking that we can handle a lot when in reality we have limitations
Links to Good Reads About Keeping Commitments in the Workplace
Courage to Make and Keep Commitments (Everyday) by Dr. Stephen Hobbs
Author Dr. Stephen Hobbs amplifies the importance of keeping commitments when he expresses, “Making and keeping commitments means taking your work seriously, pursuing goals, and keeping your promises – the promises you make to yourself, and then through your actions and ideas with others”. …read more
Meet Commitments. Build Trust. Say No. by Steve Roesler
Business leader Steve Roesler stresses the point, “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”.…read more
You Must Do This To Keep Your Promises, Especially When You Can’t Fulfill Them by Fred Kofman
Fred Kofman, VicePresident at LinkedIn, puts it beautifully when he states, “Your promises are not just conditions of satisfaction you fulfill in the future; they are guarantees of integrity you honor in the present”. Check out the tools he provides for keeping commitments…read more