The fastest way to lose anyone’s loyalty is to break your word. Related to that, you can lose loyalty by failing to follow though on what the two of you have worked so hard on perfecting.
When was the last time you lost your glasses or your keys? Maddening, isn’t it?
If I’d Only Used The System
The last time I lost my glasses I found them 15 minutes later in their new holder, exactly where they were supposed to be. The “me” who doesn’t put things away never thought of following my new system and looking in the holder. I didn’t follow though.
Message: Follow-Through Is Everything
When you and others have worked so hard to devise new systems – new sales systems, new customer relationship systems, new team systems – don’t be like me and not follow through. Keep working until you use them consistently. Be the model for your team. Certainly don’t fail to use the systems while you’re expecting everyone else to use them. You’re the leader (or you’re trying to be). Please show that you are careful and consistent with systems.
It’s One Way To Lose The Loyalty Of Your Team
Just like when I had a system for my glasses and didn’t use it, I used to ignore some systems at my old engineering firm. As a Senior Program Manager, I had my little list of reasons: “I’m too busy…this major sale is heating up and it’s way more important…besides these projects are my responsibility; if my timesheet is a little late, it doesn’t matter, I can keep track…no one notices…”
Except everyone noticed, and the loyalty I counted on from these folks suffered. They knew I’d made myself exempt from the systems we’d all put in place.
When you are involved in high-stakes, high-risk projects and sales, and need the loyalty of your team, everything counts. As a matter of fact, even when you’re not involved in those things, everything counts. Everything. Counts.
Isn’t it maddening when the managers around you don’t comply with the company systems? What system do you wish you used more consistently? Please “comment” and let me know.