Leadership FAQ – “What are some ways that I can gain better credibility by keeping my promises as a leader?”

Lee answers this Leadership FAQ – “What are some ways that I can gain better credibility by keeping my promises as a leader?”

Lee’s Answer in Seven Steps:

 Be Intentional. If keeping your word is important to you, recommit to it as one of your key values. Test yourself and track how well you currently keep your promises.
Become More Self-Aware. Monitor your words and be fully aware of what you are promising.
Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep. Resist committing unless you’re sure you want to do it and can do it. Learn to say no, or say “I’ll have to check with my team to see if we can do that.”
Write Commitments Down Immediately. Assign them a completion date on your to do list or calendar.
Be Courageous. Use the Courage Challenge engagement card to engage rather than withdraw (see our website for details).
Ask Your Support Team to Help You be Accountable. Get over your independence and pride. Ask for help.
Fail Fast. If you can’t keep commitments, ask for relief immediately versus ignoring it.

From a practical perspective, keeping your word makes you look stronger and more authentic and that leads to greater trust, better outcomes/results, and a more successful life in every area. From a values perspective, your honor is at stake.

Please comment in this forum and/or share this list with other leaders!

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7 Leadership Steps That You Need to Know on Keeping Your Promises

Download the Honor Code from Leading with Honor