If people in business are to be taken at their word, everyone has to be on the same page as to what these words actually mean. So it is critical that there is no ambiguity in what we say. This is where the lawyers enter the picture, thanks to their knack for creating documents that close the door on ambiguity. The only problem is, most people don’t seem to understand the fine print. And so, it is now back to giving your word and exchanging handshakes.
When you give your word, you must mean it. Don’t leave yourself a fistful of ways to break your word or, when the moment of truth comes, offer the excuse that “they should have seen it coming”.
Allow these rules to guide you:
- Make promises/contracts that you intend to keep
- Believe in the result
- Don’t leave wiggle room or grey areas
- Honour your word without exception
Follow these four simple rules and people will call you a person of your word – the greatest compliment an entrepreneur can receive.