When handling contracts at large companies, I had to rely on suppliers to tell me the truth and to follow through on their commitments.

Many firms and people make commitments that they are not prepared and able to honor at the time the commitment is made. This usually leads to frustration and disappointment.

Rather than disappointing the customer, supplier, or friend, it makes more sense to make promises if and only if a person or business is ready, willing, and able to honor commitments to the letter.

This approach can frustrate and annoy people initially, especially those who are accustomed to promises and sales hype. Once they realize that you are serious, many people appreciate someone who stands behind his or her words and, in other words, “walks their talk,” even (or, perhaps, especially) in business.

Filed by Coleen Davis at 7:11 am under Achieving Goals, Business Acumen, Negotiations, Team Building