The only way to establish reliability is through repeated actions over time – John C. Maxwell.
Can People Count on You?
Think about all the things you depend on. For example, you rely on reliable transportation from point A to B or a reliable mail service for delivery. Your phone service needs to be reliable; otherwise, you will probably find another service carrier. Reliability is a critical part of our daily lives and a noticeable characteristic of thriving relationships. Can people count on you? Reliability builds on availability and responsibility. Former President Barack Obama made this unequivocal statement about being reliable, an invaluable trait in any area of life; “just learn how to get stuff done.” When you keep showing up and handling your business, you are reliable, and people take notice. Not only does trust grow, but so does your value. Reliable people forge deeper relationships. Trust in unreliable people is as painful as a broken tooth. Stephen R. Covey noted, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships together.” Collaborative efforts are enhanced where the currency of trust is the medium of exchange. Synergistic atmospheres hinge on trust, which brings us back to the question: Can people count on you?
Developing a Reputation of Reliability
Building a reputation for reliability happens over time. What makes you reliable is not what you do once but consistently. Success and significance are tied to reliability. Zig Ziglar said, “Ability is important in our quest for success, but dependability is most crucial.” With this in mind, how can you develop a reputation for reliability?
Deliver on your Promises
Our words have power; they create expectations when we coat them with a promise. We become a trusted source when we guard our words and actions to remain truthful, maintain our integrity, and deliver what we say. Part of keeping promises is being honest. Don’t say yes to everything. Sometimes, being reliable means setting expectations and boundaries on what you cannot do because of your values, limitations, and other commitments. Maintaining honesty is key to remaining reliable. Reliability doesn’t equal perfection. Be honest with what you can and cannot do. People will trust you more because they know where you stand. As you grow in availability and responsibility, you will develop abilities and skills that will enable you to make more promises and keep them. A general rule with promises is to promise small and deliver big. Over time, this repeated cadence makes you reliable and a candidate for excellence.
A general rule with promises is to promise small and deliver big
Become Excellent
As reliability becomes a staying characteristic in your life, excellence develops. You show up, handle your business, and do it well, making you difficult to ignore. Excellence begins by setting standards for yourself. A follow-up question to, ‘Can people count on you?’ is, ‘What do I want to be known for?’ This sets you on the trajectory for excellence. I want to be known for:
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Punctuality
- Being a good listener
- Being present
- Doing what I am called to do well.
- Serving others
I don’t do this perfectly. I make mistakes, own up to them, apologize when needed, learn, and continue progressing toward excellence. Setting standards and living by them catapults you into excellence. Over time, excellence becomes more than what you do; it becomes who you are. Your reputation for reliability shines even brighter and positively impacts others.
Final Thought: Life works better with reliability. It builds trust and shows we value people. In your spheres of influence, develop reliability by asking these two questions:
Can people count on me?
What do I want to be known for?
Keep on keeping on
Discover Your Treasure 