Over-Promising and Under-Delivering

Over-Promising and Under-Delivering: Building Trust from the Start

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I’ve been thinking a lot about how we set expectations in our professional lives, and I wanted to share some thoughts on a topic that’s been on my mind: over-promising and under-delivering. This is especially relevant when it comes to those first crucial interactions with an organisation.

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The Trust Equation

Trust is everything in our professional relationships. From the moment someone interacts with an organisation, they're sizing it up, trying to figure out if it's trustworthy and reliable. When you promise the moon and fail to deliver, it can really damage that budding trust. It’s disappointing and can leave a lasting negative impression.

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Setting Realistic Expectations

We all want to impress, and it's so tempting to go big with our promises. But there's a fine line between ambition and reality. Over-promising might create initial excitement, but falling short can lead to disappointment and frustration. It's better to be upfront about what can realistically be achieved. Transparency from the get-go sets a solid foundation for trust.

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Impact on Organisational Culture

It's not just about external perceptions. When an organisation over-promises and under-delivers, it affects everyone inside, too. Teams tasked with achieving the impossible can quickly become demoralised. This not only impacts their performance but also their engagement and loyalty to the organisation. A culture of unmet promises can spiral into broader issues, affecting overall morale and productivity.

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The Role of Communication

Good communication is key. It’s about more than just the initial conversation—it's about ongoing dialogue and keeping everyone in the loop. Being honest and clear, especially when things change, helps manage expectations and builds trust. Regular updates and feedback ensure everyone is aligned and working towards achievable goals.

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Evaluating Capabilities

Before making promises, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what can actually be done. This means being honest about resources, skills, and timelines. By knowing your true capabilities, you can set realistic promises that are ambitious but attainable. This approach not only ensures delivery but also helps build a reputation for reliability.

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Delivering on Promises

At the end of the day, delivering on promises is what truly builds credibility. Consistently meeting or exceeding expectations creates a track record of trustworthiness. This requires careful planning, execution, and sometimes going the extra mile. When you consistently deliver, you strengthen relationships and create more opportunities for growth and collaboration.

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The Long-Term Perspective

In our professional lives, especially when it comes to those initial interactions that can make or break long-term relationships, under-promising and over-delivering is so important. Setting realistic expectations and consistently meeting them builds trust and lays the groundwork for lasting success.

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It’s much better to be known for delivering more than expected than for falling short. Building a reliable and trustworthy reputation starts with the very first interaction. Let’s make it count.

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