Ima l’ išta lakše neg’ obećati? – Djordje Balasevic
(Is there anything easier than making a promise?)
I decided to write about promises inspired by this verse written by one of the greatest artists this region has seen.
Keeping promises has always been very important to me. I used to tell that to my daughters when they were very young but also always gave my best never to postpone or break the ones given to them. We still stick to that agreement.
Later in life I learned a beautiful word – deadline. I know that for some people the word deadline is synonymous with tension or pressure but in the context of promises it isn’t. Having a date or time by which you have to finish what you promised can actually be a good thing. Of course, only if you take your promises seriously.
There are those who promise they will do something and suddenly change their mind or even forget. This can be dangerous. Breaking promises affects the work or even life of others. People count on you to keep your word. Sometimes they even completely change their schedules, obligations and routines just based on that word. This is particularly visible when a leader is not true to his word. In the beginning it seems small and unimportant but if it continues and becomes the rule not the exception, the rest of the team losses the trust and the leader losses his / her credibility. The consequences can be serious. Reduced performance, lack of motivation and trying to find better environment, just to name a few.
So, what is the strategy? Here are the steps that I follow, and I hope you’ll find them useful.
1. Be open – if it is not possible to finish something, say openly that you can’t deliver. Give feedback and arguments for it.
2. Stick to your principles – if that’s your value – you have to live that
3. Prioritise
4. Learn how to say NO. You don’t have to please people and accept everything.
Since there are many young entrepreneurs out there, I’d like to be completely honest with them.
Dear future leaders, you’ll hear a lot of promises and I’m sure you’ll believe most of them. However, saying and delivering promises are two different things. Don’t be discouraged – try to learn from mistakes of others and remember those who honoured their promise when you most needed it.
Be honest with yourself when answering these questions:
1. How do I recognize if I have a problem with breaking promises?
2. How often do I cancel personal plans at the last moment?
3. How often do I sabotage the important goals.
