Work Promises, Are You Keeping Them?
Are you in the habit of handing out work promises? Promising to do this, or do that? Are some of the promise’s expectations?
Work promises are always happening.
I’ll get this done before the next meeting.
This won’t take long, I’ll do it before Noon.
I’ll call the customer.
Promises are an offer to contribute. They set an expectation and are often evidence of teamwork and commitment.
Sometimes promises start the meeting. They illustrate the agenda, set the expectations, and confirm a timeline.
Sometimes promises end the meeting. They confirm the to-do list, establish the next meeting date, and congratulate positive outcomes.
When expectations are set, people are counting on you. A promise is intended to quell worry, provide a solution, and most of all, be reliable.
What work promises are you giving?
Work Promises
Does your workplace have trust? Do you trust someone that they will get the project finished on time and with good quality? Have you ever been let down?
Workplace trust, or lack of it, is a leading cause of dysfunctional teams.
Employees often underestimate the commitment or expectation of a promise made. There is sometimes a good intention, the offer of help, and a gesture of kindness. If unfulfilled other promises and commitments get trampled and are broken.
In examples of poor leadership, the leader goes only to people he or she can trust. Meanwhile the best performers get stuck with doing more while poorer performers are allowed to go unchecked.
Managers and supervisors who are unable or unwilling to address problem performers cause more dysfunction.
Promises are sometimes made and other times they are assumed.
Either way a promise is both a commitment and an obligation.
Teams that are both functional and reliable will have stronger results.
I promise.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
