Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
To make a commitment is to bind oneself to a particular course of action. It’s an engagement or pledge to do something. Making a commitment is ensuring another that you can be entrusted with the task at hand or keeping your word. It implies the general idea of delivering – you can be trusted.
It used to be considered a person’s handshake on a commitment or deal was all that was needed. Their reputation and honor was at stake and it meant something. But times have changed, and so has our culture. Many people do not keep their commitments, or at least take them lightly. Thereby contracts must be signed.
Commitment is Essential for Business Success
In business, making your commitment to your job is essential to your success. Although you most likely have a signed contract with your employer, it should not be what forces you to perform your job with complete excellence; your integrity and strong work ethic should be what compels you to always give your all. You have obligated yourself to your employer to carry out the job you were hired to do. You have committed your best efforts to your corporation, and there becomes an agreement, whether written or verbal, you will perform your duties.
Engaging yourself to your job can be taken lightly or done in a full throttle, sold-out commitment. Do you punch out right at five? Or do you take longer lunch hours than allowed by your employer? When getting your coffee in the morning, do you spend more time visiting your co-workers than doing your job? Success will call itself into your life when you determine to give your job, or task at hand, your best.
Failure to your commitments is not an option if you intend to succeed in your career. This might mean something as trivial as you promising your client you will get back to them that same day and maybe taking a shorter lunch hour to keep your commitment. Or advising your boss you will complete the assignment in the time frame you have committed yourself to and staying a little late to finish it.
Communicate Your Needs
Sometimes circumstances or other people prevent you from getting the job done in the time frame promised. This is when you should reach out and let the person you made the commitment to know you are running behind. I have never known anyone who was upset if you just let them know you have not forgotten them and you still plan on keeping your commitment.
You have become a trusted advisor or trusted employee, and your word must stand to be considered a person of honor. Sometimes projects can be overwhelming and you find yourself over extended on your commitment to complete the task. It is at this point you must have the wisdom and ability to admit your mistake and seek help. Don’t let your pride prevent you from being an honorable person who can’t keep their commitments.
We all have high hopes in the beginning of signing on for a job, but sometimes life gets in the way. If this happens to you, then you must reach out for help. Communicate your needs to get the job done.
Speaking from a boss’s perspective, there is nothing more frustrating than for my staff to hide the fact they are behind in their work. Being committed also means you are authentic in the reality of your workload. If you can’t get the job done, then let your management know what is going on –“Hey, I need help!”
Of course, keeping your commitments is more than in your business life, it’s in your character. Make it count and move forward with your success!!!!
Sharman Dow is the founder of the Empower Women’s Conference, coming October 22nd to Orange County. Register today!
