WHERE DID THE COMMITMENT GO?

One of the biggest life lessons I learned was from one of my first bosses, Mr. Rubenstein. Mr. Rubenstein had no files, very few signed anything, and yet, he was the top Executive of a well-known apparel company. When I asked him how he formalized agreements, he extended his arm and unwavering hand and said, “this is how.” All my agreements, relationships, and business transactions are sealed with a firm handshake. Mr. Rubenstein’s handshakes were formidable, confident, and most of all, an extension of his character, pride, and integrity. You trusted his commitment as a promise to deliver, and he always did, as one of the most respected people in business at the time.?

?I realize we live in a litigious society and that business transactions require the guidelines, terms, and structure of a well-designed agreement that enables both parties. Behind any signed document, however, lies the people involved and the commitment they made to enact the transaction.?

So, where does the value of commitment begin and how do we teach it? Throughout my 30+ years as an adjunct professor at a leading university, I have taught hundreds of students various topics in the meetings and events industry. The most important lesson is the commitment to delivering what you promise, communicating, and doing your part. As an educator, I know the value of hands-on learning. My students have always been given the option to participate in various events for the experience, as well as intern with companies who valued their help as much as they valued the experience.??

When someone takes on the role of a volunteer, it is vital to understand that role's impact. Volunteerism has many rewards for both parties; yet, when the commitment to show up is breached, respect for the people and the institution they represent is marred.???????

It has been a struggle to teach the importance of honoring, showing up, and being on time for any commitment that is made. There have been instances of students accepting internships and then not showing up or following up. They just give up with no respect, or explanation to the person or company to which they made a commitment. Is this a lack of social skills to respect the person we committed to, ignorance of not being accountable, or anxiety about interacting in person with new people in a new setting? Is it all about what the student wants, or is it about what the student is not learning????

What happens in colleges, carries over into business and Covid changed the rules in business in many ways as companies struggled to stay in business and employees struggled to find work. ? Now, work takes on many forms from in the office to remote to nomad living. We are re-training young hires about the value of working in person and the many benefits of socialization, collaboration, and spontaneous creativity sparked by emotional brainstorming. Regardless of which is pertinent to your specific case, the common denominator is a commitment from both sides to get the work done, rebuild teams, and strengthen companies once again.???

I recall a story from a CEO, who advised that when Covid hit, some of his key people moved to another state without a discussion about the commitment of how they would work and/or return to work one day. Another colleague shared a story of a potential new hire, a college senior who she invested her time to speak with, interview, and officially hire, only to receive an e-mail ONE WEEK prior to the start date stating that she requires a new start date. Commitment is not a place, it is an act. One company I know supports its CMO who is leading a nomadic life and honoring all her commitments along the way with the depth and dimensions of her experiences.? Where is the understanding of the repercussions of this behavior?? Are we breeding a generation that does not “feel?” Is the definition of “character” changing? Is it a lack of empathy, understanding, and respect or is it the effect of “I want” vs. what is needed????

When making a commitment, ask yourself the following:

1. Is the commitment realistic? Is it something that I can accomplish and achieve? Is it something that I have the time for? Is it something that will give me experience and give me new skills or knowledge?
2. If the commitment proves challenging, will I respect my promise and keep going? Do I have the tenacity to finish the job and grow from the responsibility?
3. Can I trust myself to keep my own word? Am I aware of the implications that a referral demands? Referrals are based on trust and relationships. They are emotional barter and when a referral disappoints, relationships are affected.?

Fear is a clever emotion. Its very job is to paralyze us from moving ahead with anything by not trusting ourselves or the situation. When I graduated high school, I recall my mother mentioning that broadcasting may be an interesting area for me. Just the very thought of me at an anchor’s desk sent fear through my body. “How would I know what to say?” “I’m not good at memorizing.” Did I know there was an intimate studio, with experienced production people and a teleprompter or signs to tell you what to say and when? Fear and lack of confidence stopped me from that pursuit.?

Work takes more than a commitment to perform a task. Building trust, being dependable, saying yes, volunteering, and showing up when expected all build character. Life is not always about getting what we want when we want it. It is about being our best at any given time until opportunities avail themselves. I challenge everyone to explore, take a course in something different, and challenge themselves with learning something new. If we are not open, how are we to be receptive to opportunities??

Making the commitment to learn, apply, and perform unconsciously after having mastered a discipline or area takes time, skills, dedication, and a willingness to contribute to the greater whole.?

Make a personal commitment today and let’s shake on it.?????