Leadership and the Importance of Commitment
Commitment can at times be challenging as we all want things to be perfect before we commit and this is not possible. Part of our challenge occurs due to the fact that we attach emotion to this process so how much of that holds us back? How do we overcome this?
Further still, can success be achieved before commitment?
To explore this process (be it in life or in business), you need to look within and ask yourself if you are really committed.
Below are some strategies where you can test yourself but first you will need to be able to identify what your actions are and if they support your commitment. As a starting point, ask yourself if there is any action or if your commitment is simply verbal? It is much harder to act and follow through on your words so be mindful of what you commit to verbally and ensure that this is followed through by your actions.
Why make a Commitment? Well for a start, it allows opportunities to become success stories. Leaders often face obstacles and opposition but it is in these moments that your commitment will lead you to success. Challenges and disruption allow for growth and creativity and when embraced deliver an optimum and effective outcome.
Commitment allows leaders to develop themselves as well as those around them. It provides moments that will stretch and support people but mostly it gives you the opportunity to show others that perseverance and commitment despite any obstacles or challenges will lead to success, strengthen character and build resilience.
Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without commitment.
Here are a few suggestions on how you can improve Your Commitment
Verbalise your commitment to your team, ensure that it can be defined. You want to be able to measure your commitment. As part of your process look at how much time you are prepared to allocate to your commitment.
Ensure that your actions are aligned with the delivery of the outcome. This will give you a clear indication of your level of commitment.
]Identify what you are willing to “die” for. Establish the things that you could not stop doing no matter what the consequences. Review these and see if your actions match your ideals.
Make your plans public. Making your plans public will help you to be more committed to following them through. It will also show that you are prepared to accept all consequences as part of the journey.
Look at how you can engage with your team. Having them “buy-in” to your commitment and sharing that journey is integral to the success of your commitment.
Bear in mind that whilst securing your team to the same commitment enhances your ability to succeed, it will also see your team become the champions of the project.
As leaders, it is important to recognise the success of the team, and yes it may have been your vision, but your team collaborated and worked through challenges, become committed to the cause and supported in the delivery.
Always celebrate the outcome as their success.