“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something,
you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results.” – Kenneth Blanchard
Commitment. It’s a word we hear often. He needs to drive greater commitment from the team. She is committed to the task at hand. They have formed a committed partnership. What does this word really mean? What is it really about? Why it is used so often in so many different business contexts?
Commitment is about remaining steadfast and unwavering in our goals and objectives. Whether that is galvanizing a team to achieve a vision, or staying focused on hitting a sales target, commitment is about never giving up on a desired outcome.
In my work with CEOs and senior executives, I typically see the most commitment demonstrated to driving results; to anything that will grow the bottom-line. Although this keeps the shareholders happy, it can sometimes impact one’s leadership style. This is most noticeable when clients envision a larger leadership or talent development program and quickly scrap it a few months later if business is not going well. This is a mistake. Staying committed to developing people is the greatest thing any company can do. It will ultimately impact the bottom line if seen through all the way to the end.
So, how can you increase your focus on commitment. Follow these four steps:
- Reap What You Sow: Achieving our objectives takes time. You have to put in the work and hard effort to make things happen. You have to sow before you reap. Be willing to do what is necessary to sow properly. Sow in places like your peoples’ lives; sow in their hopes and dreams for the future. This will help drive commitment from the people around you.
- Be Open to Making Adjustments: No plan is flawless from its inception. Ideas can be great, but changes most likely will need to take place enroute to your outcome. Be willing to course correct when your frustrated and not seeing the results you desire. Practice the use of innovation to alter paths to your goal when needed.
- Conquer Adversity: Any commitment that is worth keeping is worth giving your all. Inevitably, most of our commitments will experience some type of adversity. Embrace the obstacles. Look at it as a growth opportunity. Don’t let it frustrate or derail your momentum. Remember, people are always watching the leader. How you handle adversity will set an example, good or bad, for others.
- Never Use Excuses: Commitment is about not using excuses. It’s about getting things done. It is results-oriented and compels people to move forward. Those who use excuses often suffer the consequences. They do not attain their goals, and their vision flounders. Make sure you never use excuses when it comes to achieving your biggest hopes and dreams.
Commitment is not for the faint of heart. You have to put in the time and effort needed if you want to arrive at your desired outcome.
