Keeping Commitments

20th June 2013

One thing I find particularly annoying is when someone breaks a commitment to a meeting. If done far enough in advance because a genuine issue has arisen, or indeed from time to time when a crisis arises which need immediate attention, it is of course entirely acceptable. However when you get a message 2 or 3 days in advance of a meeting already in the diary that something else has come up, and can they reschedule, I believe it says a lot about the person you are meeting with, and perhaps more importantly, how much they value the meeting with you.

The same can apply to networking groups. If you join a networking group, you know when the meetings are throughout the year. However, in most groups a good proportion of people don’t turn up at each meeting because they make an alternative commitment, or because they can’t be bothered. Again what does this say about them, and how they value the group?

Now many people might say “So What?” These meetings are not vital, they often don’t bring income directly, and why not reschedule them. However, as stated above, I believe it shows a genuine lack of commitment overall, and therefore how can you be sure when working with them, that they will always do what they say they will. Trust is a vital part of any business relationship, so if people cancel or reschedule meetings just because it suits them better, or because they have a potentially better offer, then how can you be sure that they will provide what they say they will with their service or products.

Consistency and congruency is vital in all businesses. If you don’t do something because you consider it trifling or unimportant, what will stop you doing the same for big or vital issues: So think about the message you are giving next time you break a commitment, and then think again about doing so.

---

Comments are closed.