Quotes That Make the Point
In the midst of our blog series on making and keeping promises, here are historical quotes that speak to our point:
“Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.” ~Jean Jacques Rousseau
“The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.” ~Napoleon Bonaparte
The best way to keep all your promises is to only make those you know you can keep. Be willing to say, “I cannot promise that.” There is a strong draw to promise in the moment because we think that is what people want. It is not what they want in the long-run. Ultimately, they want performance. If you cannot perform, don’t promise. If you are unsure whether you can perform, say that; or go ahead and promise, but then be willing to move mountains to commit to delivering on your promise.
“Promise only what you can deliver. Then deliver more than you promise.” ~Author Unknown
Our blog series is on standing out in business. You stand out by keeping all promises. You stand out also by exceeding expectations. Promise only what you can commit to delivering. Then go beyond that.
Next week:
What is going to change when you start keeping your agreements?
