#163
DWYSYWD
Do What You Said You Would Do
In theory, this is easy…but it’s not.
In theory, doing this wouldn’t make you a stand out…but it does.
When you tell someone you will call them, call them.
When you tell someone you will deliver something, deliver.
When you tell someone you will make your bed, make your bed.
“Show up. Be consistent. Do what you say. Give more than you take.” – Unknown
There are two common excuses:
1- You forgot. This is not a good excuse. Figure out how to not forget. Use the tools that are available to you. Your phone is in your hand all the time, use it to help you not forget.
2- Things don't go as planned and you can’t deliver what was expected, when it was expected.
Perhaps you said you would do something on a Monday and circumstances outside your control cause a delay. As early as possible, be sure to tell whomever is relying on you that there is a delay.
Perhaps you said something in passing and weren’t even sure the other person is expecting anything from you. Deliver anyway.
What if there deliverable is unclear and open to interpretation. Do your best, and deliver something. At a minimum, that will demonstrate you care.
What if you hoped to deliver good news and it is now bad news. Perhaps no one would likely ever call you on it. Don’t ignore it. This is dangerous. Delivering bad news in direct fashion will build trust.
Follow through. Be reliable. Communicate delays & bad news quickly.