The only way to measure

# Chapter 112

Do what you say you will do. Or DWYSYWD for short SSSL p. 29

Continuing with the subject of credibility, nothing will build credibility like this one will. If you spend any amount of time with me, you’ve heard me say, “under-promise over-deliver.” Yeah, I am still singing that tune. Call when you say you will call. Show up when you say you will show up. Write when you said you would write. Research what you said you would research. Do what you say you will do. This is not rocket science. This is credibility.

What is a small promise to you, is a huge promise to the follower, client or partner, and the earlier it is in the relationship, the more weight those “small” promises carry. This is the only instrument that the other person has with which to measure what you will deliver or not. This matters way more than you can believe, to pretty much everyone you interact with in the whole world.

Remember the “charming couple” from several chapters back? Well when I confronted him about his tardiness, after almost a year of factual record-keeping, he just blew me off. Said he didn’t think tardiness was a big deal. That is why he is now a former client and colleague. Because this matters way more than you can believe to pretty much everyone you interact with in the entire world. What I still don’t get is why they did not just align their promises with their realities? Why not make the meeting for 12:15 rather than 12 if you can’t get there until 12:15?? Capish? Probably not.

DWYSYWD people!

This is also how you build a sustainable reputation. Follow up people!