But I really did mean to call – honest!”
“There is so much on my plate that I can’t see my way to doing the things I know are the right things for me to do.”
“If only I had more time, then I’d be able to get it done”.
“When things slow down, then I will…!”
Do these phrases sound familiar? Often, experienced leaders offer these “reasons” for not doing what they said they would do.
The pain of “try” is written all over these leaders’ faces as they grapple with the deep desire to be a leader who “does”. They long for a story of being experienced as a “credible” leader, one who no longer “tries” to do what is right, but actually follows through on what was promised.
In the midst of ups and downs and mistakes…our families, teams, and communities are counting on us to “deliver” as promised. Consider the promises you may have made to:
- Yourself – promises to care for your spirit, body, mind and emotions.
- Spouse – promises to “love and cherish til’ death do us part”; and “for sure we will finally go out this weekend”.
- Kids – promises to hang out, go fishing, read a book, build together
- Team at work – promises to
- Help navigate a difficult conversation,
- Have opportunities to learn and grow.
- Help ensure work schedule honors commitments to a healthy personal world.
- ….
- Clients – “for sure I will have this report, quote, answer to you by the end of the week”.
If promises like these, and many others, go unfulfilled over time….then offering the statement, “I am trying”, is not your friend. The only thing that is happening is that you are creating a story of a leader that lacks credibility. Ouch!
Are those around you able to trust you to…
DWYSYWD?
“Do What You Said You Would Do” This is the essence of credibility. Rick Warren says it this way.
You are not alone. Often, I have had to recalibrate my own overly optimistic view of my abilities and time availability in order to achieve promises I have made.
The dictionary Merriam Webster offers us this helpful definition:
“offering reasonable grounds for being believed”
Here are 6 questions you can ask to assess your level of credibility – reasonable grounds for you being believed by those around you. Get into their world as you reflect on these questions. Work at NOT answering the questions from your viewpoint. Credibility is about their view of you – not your view of you!
- If you asked your team at work, regarding your track record on keeping promises to them, what would they say?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
- If you asked your clients, regarding your track record on keeping promises to them, what would they say?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
- If you asked your suppliers, regarding your track record on keeping promises to them, what would they say?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
- If you are married….what would your spouse say, regarding your track record, in keeping promises to them?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
- If you have children….what would your kids say, regarding your track record, in keeping promises to them?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
- What would your friends and extended family say, regarding your track record, in keeping promises to them?
Never Sometimes Usually Almost Always Always
Jesus is quite clear on the impact of keeping our promises – of being credible in serving Him and others.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”
How is your credibility? What would others say?
A Deliberate Application:
- Pray and reflect on the 6 questions and the Luke 16:10 – 12 passage.
- What is God asking of you?
- Who will you share this with?
