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Sincerity: giving your word

anntonettedailey
May 11, 2015
3 min read

It would be a shame in this world if I had to write 10 ways to help you become more sincere as it is not something that can be faked. That said, if you do want it, refer to WikiHow for some suggestions (they have 8 steps! see below).

The attribute of sincerity that I would like to explore is being a person of your word. That the old fashioned saying of “I give you my word” is an oath and binding on its subject. It is intricately linked to a person’s honour. It is perhaps something that is lacking in modern society, more acutely seen in (or rather lack of) politicians.

An essential element of any charismatic young executive leader is a sense of sincerity. It is a virtue that really connects people, as it draws through the heart, rather than other emotions.

The issue with sincerity is that you cannot fake it. But if you do have it, you may have to work on displaying it in a manner that others can interact and connect with.

Protecting your word

Those who do choose to own their word need to guard it carefully. Once it is given, you need to fulfil it or respond to it appropriately. Failing to take sincere action will render you a useless person, unable to deliver on your promises.

At work, people who regularly fall short are never assigned the important tasks. Anything of import will be given to the person who is most likely to achieve the required outcome. If you aren’t engaged on the important tasks, are you really going up in the world?

Equally, you should not give your word unless you have measured up what it entails, carefully considered it and make a thoughtful decision.

I see this happen regularly with volunteers in non-for profit or charity roles. Over committing and under-delivering. It is better to take on less and achieve it well, than to fall short. No one will thank you for almost achieving an outcome. Yes, you might take it all on (since there is always more work than volunteers), but it is unhelpful to provide false hope. At the end of the day, you will be blamed, or if not, that sad look will come “well, she tried”. A little patronising.

What it means to give your word

Too often I see people provide their word and than immediately get back to something else. Unless they are provided a time limit, they give their word with a sense of indefinite timeframe. Part of giving your word is to ascertain at the time of the commitment expectation of quality and timeframe. If you have no intention of making an immediate start, ask yourself whether it is something you should agree to. After all, you are making a commitment that impacts on another person.

Inability to deliver on your word

What happens when you can not achieveIn the old days, you would probably loose your position, if not your life and be ostracised. Luckily, in the current century, there are a few more options.

Things do happen that are out of your control, where a reasonable person would also struggle to achieve. The difference between an honourable person and a lazy one, is the genuine attempt to achieve an outcome. A sincere person will work hard, communicate early if there are issues and go the extra mile (yes, even giving up a dinner or staying up late). It is important that you are clear in your communication about your attempts and seek help early. This displays sincerity, even if the outcome is not achieved. Most important, a sincere person will work to determine alternative solutions and be part of the next stage, rather than walking away.

A word of caution

Sincerity can also expose you. When you open up and are genuine with others, you transfer trust. This can also be used for improper means and others can either take advantage of you, or expose your inner most concerns. In some cases, people will react instinctively in a negative manner. Be prepared for this. It is the reason why giving your word is something to protect.

Of course, there are many other elements of sincerity to consider. But in the workplace, keeping your word is one of the most relevant and powerful elements that create your character and image.