How To Create A Reputation for Honesty as a Leader-Part 1

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How To Create A Reputation for Honesty as a Leader-Part 1
A leader who tells the truth 98% of the time will be soon known as a liar. And a leader who tells the truth 95% of the time will be known as a psychopathic liar. And, as leaders, we tell lies and don’t even realize we are doing it.

Most of us became leaders because we wanted to make it better than the last man or woman. We want to help. And because we want to help this happens:
Mary walks in and says, “Hey boss, I am having problems with the Jones-Allan account. The numbers aren’t quite there. Can you take a look at the numbers for me?”

Bob, (the boss) while stopping what he is doing and trying to remember what time it is says, “Sure, sure.”
“And boss, do you think you could take a look at them by tomorrow at noon? The customer is expecting an answer before close of business tomorrow.”
“Sure, sure, no problem.”

Now we all know that Bob had every intention of keeping his promise. Bob likes to help, always has, that’s why he took the promotion. Only one problem. Bob has overcommitted. He has told seven other people he is trying to help that he will help them.
Noon tomorrow comes around and Mary walks up to Bob’s cube and says, “Man I am glad you agreed to help me with those numbers for the Jones-Allan account. They were giving me fits.”

Bob looks up at Mary in total confusion for a few moments and then smacks himself on the head and says, “Darn it Mary. I got swallowed up in five other emergencies. What time is it? Wow how did it get to be noon? Tell you what. Come back and see me at three-thirty. I’ll work through lunch on this report for the President and then your account will move to the top of the chart?”

Mary looks disappointed, not too much, she’s worked with Bob and knows that he over promises. She says OK and leaves.
What did Bob do? He made a promise and didn’t keep it.

First lesson.
Make fewer promises. Keep all of them.
Let’s go back in our time machine and do it the right way.
Mary walks in and says, “Hey boss, I am having problems with the Jones-Allan account. The numbers aren’t quite there. Can you take a look at the numbers for me?”

Bob, “Mary, I’d love to commit to being able to look at the numbers by noon tomorrow. With what I have on my plate, I simply can’t honor a commitment like that. I can try to look them by noon. I will guarantee that I can look at them by close of business by day after tomorrow. Can we still maintain a superb relationship with the customer if you have an answer then?”

Mary, “I don’t think so. I have already put them off once.”

Bob, “How about this, let’s call Steve, he has a tremendous grasp of this account and all it’s intricacies. I think he might have time.”

Mary, big smile on her face. “That would be great!”

Leaders axiom: Make fewer promises. Keep all of them.
Home work.

1. Look at all the commitments you are making. Are you over committing to the point where you can’t deliver on promises?
2. Practice saying “No” using the above example.
3. Enjoy your improved reputation

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Keys To Being Consistent and Predictable Part 3 - By John Cameron

About the Author: John Cameron

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Through speaking, consulting, training and resources, using humor and great process, John Cameron helps teams and leaders own the skills, the plan and the courage to do what they must do to increase the wealth of their clients, their organization and themselves. Whether you are assigned as boss on a team, in a family, in your favorite charity, in public office or on a project, John Cameron can help you get better. Get better at listening, understanding, giving instructions, delegating, planning, project management, holding yourself and others accountable, estimating time, motivating, disciplining, persuading and all of the other skills bosses need. John Cameron can and will help you as he has helped literally thousands of others. See samples of John Cameron speaking and training on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/user/thejohnacameron
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