HERBISM #105 – Great Leaders Value Results Over Words

You can observe what people [really] believe…by their actions.

You can also observe what people are truly committed to…by the results they produce!

I am surprised how many people make grand statements in meetings, in front of their boss and/or peers, but then don’t follow through. Hollow words may allow people to escape awkward moments but they also become the hallmark of ineffective teams.

The same is true when it comes to customer service. Too many [sales] people, service advisers, and other public facing people make statements and direct, or indirect, commitments in order to win business or smooth over difficult situations. Yet, too often these words lack commitment. Why? It’s simple. Because they sell from a perspective of “commission” rather than from “conviction” and are not held accountable for following through.

It’s just not right and it’s no wonder that trust in business is so low. Not surprising is how and why organizations who follow through on their commitments stand out in such stark contrast.

It’s time for people to take radical responsibility for their words and commitments. In fact, it would be better not to make a commitment and yet take appropriate action than make a commitment and not follow through.

Want to be a great leader? Take radical responsibility for your words and commitments, by doing the following:

State your intent in simple terms
Don’t make statements that you cannot or will not fulfill
Put forward your best effort moment by moment and day by day
Humbly ask for feedback and accountability
Evaluate results at regular checkpoints
Adjust your behavior as necessary if the results at any point indicate that your current plan will not achieve the stated intent.

Here is a video that provides more insight into this HERBISM.