Fall Checkup: Reliability

Have you been told you have high standards? Sometimes the comment is intended as a compliment and sometimes as an insult.

I think those who intend it as an insult are trying to justify their own flaws. There are people who think that when I expect them to do what they promise, I am being unreasonable. If you tell me you are going to do something, and you don't do it, I am going to be disappointed. The seriousness of the promise determines the level of disappointment. I might get downright mad if the broken promise results in strong consequences.

I like to do business with companies that keep their word.  I think most people want to do business with companies that keep their word. I wish there was an inspection report that would tell me up front if a company is reliable. Restaurants have health inspections and the score is posted. But for most of our transactions, we only have a promise.

Is it too high a standard to expect you to keep your word? If so, put out a sign so I can stay away from your business. Oh, wait, if you are not reliable then being honest might not be in your repertoire either.