We build trust by how reliable we are and well we follow through on our word with action. Look around you within circle at work – your team, your peers, your supervisor. Do you trust them all? Can you depend on them to bring the results that they promise within the timeframe agreed upon?
Being reliable is a highly sought after attribute by organizational leaders. Andre Durand, CEO of Ping Identity based in Denver has been quoted as saying: “It comes down to trust. If you look at the essence of trust, it’s a one-to-one ratio between say and do.”
Think about those who you can trust, isn’t it because you can depend on them? It’s not only about reliability but also accountability. If their say-to-do ratio is strong, you can be sure that they are holding themselves accountable to their promises. But when it becomes imbalanced, it will clearly have a negative impact on trust and in turn productivity and profit.
When there is trust, a leader has confidence that things will get done by either meeting or even exceeding expectations. In contrast, missed timelines, slow responses and sloppy work will grate over time. Reliability is also about being a devoted member of the team. On a personal level, one can improve their marketability with their employer or with their customers, a way to set yourself apart and become noticed.
“For me, integrity is the consistency of words and actions.”
– Kenneth Chenault