Are You Dependable, Really?

“Really” is the best part of this title.

We met with a handyman for some remodel work in our master bathroom.  We were referred to him by a trusted and quite dependable friend.  We reached out to our would-be handyman and made an appointment. He showed up on time and we spent 45 minutes looking at our bathroom, sharing ideas back and forth, and he left with measurements.  We really liked this guy and decided to stick with him. He said he’d be back to us in a couple of weeks.

Nothing.

I texted.  He responded pretty quickly about a family emergency – no specifics. I responded immediately with my condolences.

Then nothing for 2 weeks. I texted – “Can you have it to us by this weekend?” He said, “Yes I will.”

Nothing.

I sent another text a few days into the next week asking, “Where are you with this?” 

Nothing.

I don’t know what’s going on in his life. But I struggle with not be able to send a 10-second text. Update me. Tell me you don’t want the project after all. Just say something.

Onto the next handyman for us.

14 years ago, I called 3 contractors for stump removal and left a message with each of them. One called back the same day, one called a week later. I’m still waiting on the third one. We did business with the first one, and it was done before the second one even called. We needed more work the following year. We made one call.

I believe one of the biggest difference-makers in relationships – family, business, life – is dependability, which comes from integrity. Do we do what we commit to do always? Do we call people back when we say we will – always?  Do we show up as committed – always? Because sometimes is definitely not dependable.

I think the biggest and yet, least noticed, lack of dependability is in communication. It’s the small stuff – one day late, not calling back on time, not delivering on time, and the coup de grace - having to be reminded.

Twenty-five years ago, I made a decision. 100% integrity. If you need something from me but have to leave a message-email, voicemail, text, you can immediately cross me off your list. It’s as good as done. I know it. You know it.

Let’s commit to returning emails on time, returning voicemails on time, meeting all deadlines, and following through on all commitments as expected.  And if it’s getting tight, reach out and notify people in advance. You’ll build so much trust and equity with others.

Be dependable, whatever it takes.