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Don’t Promise More Than You Can Deliver
People sometimes make commitments even when they know they can’t fulfill them. Here’s how to avoid that trap.
I once observed a discussion between Steve, a senior manager, and a project manager named Rob about a new software development initiative. “How long will this project take?” Steve asked. “Two years,” replied Rob. “That’s too long,” said Steve. “I need it in six months.” So what did Rob say? “Okay.”
Now, what changed in those few seconds? Nothing! The project didn’t shrink by a factor of four. The development team didn’t get four times larger or quadruple its productivity. The project manager simply said what he knew Steve wanted to hear. Rob knew the six-month target was completely unachievable, and yet he made the promise anyway.
Successful projects — and relationships — are based on realistic commitments, not on fantasies and empty promises. I practice this personal philosophy:
No matter how much pressure others exert, never make a commitment that you know you can’t keep.
Making Commitments
A commitment is a promise that one person or group makes to another. It might involve delivering a work product or performing a service by a specified time and at a…
