I have had some rough reminders over the past several weeks about a problem that I and I suspect a lot of consultants struggle with continuously. Keeping commitments (or some might say managing time) and having to say ”no” to some requests for help in order to avoid my own breakdowns. Sometime you are doing people a favor by simply saying “No, I cannot get to that right now” and follow up with “Maybe I can help you find someone else who can help you”, or other type response. Of course, if you’ve been working diligently over time to build that super-strong network of help that all consultants need to build, often times you can offer help, just not you doing the work.
Recently I had conflicting commitments between some business clients and getting something done for the homefront. I fully intended to accomplish both but alas, I haven’t perfected the science of being in two places at once. Breakdown ahead! Overall I managed to either meet, delegate, negotiate down, or say No to almost all requests for help, but there have been a few items that still have been late or dropped altogether…..
Neglecting clients or making commitments that you know you cannot keep however is certain death for the consultant looking to build trust and long term relationships.
Overall personally I have to say that my track record has improved over the years in this space but old habits sometimes re-emerge. As I’m beating up myself a bit for missing some commitments I thought I’d pass along these words to others as well.
I think it was Steven Covey where I first read about: Each time you miss a commitment, you make a “withdrawl” from the bank of trust and goodwill. Each time you can meet a commitment, show up on time, finish the report, etc. you make a deposit. In order to have a healthy career and life, you need to make more deposits than withdrawls.
Bottom line, You have to be careful not to overcommit or you risk losing everything, even the people or things that you are truly committed to as well as the items that you were more sincere in the moment…..
No posts for a while due to the fact that we’ve been extremely busy (and I’m swimming in some short term breakdowns as a result). Hope you all have a great day….
