Welcome to my ClassyTip for this week which focuses on:

- Appearance
- Behavior
- Communication

- The Chemistry of being Reliable - Tip #17

The definition of Reliable, is 'giving the same result on successive occasions'. Or 'yielding the same or compatible results in different clinical experiments or statistical trials'. These, of course, are scientific definitions. Anyone who has studied chemistry is familiar with the importance of reliability and the value of the Scientific Method when working with experiments. For a hypothesis to be tested, and the results to be valid, the experimental process must be "reliable."

Although life is not a chemistry experiment, there are some similarities I'd like to share with you. A reliable person is dependable in fulfilling the expectations s/he creates. That means other people can rely on you to do what you say you're going to do. Not once, not twice, not three times, but consistently, all the time.

What is it to 'rely' on someone? For someone to be 'reliable' means you can have faith or confidence s/he will meet the expectations they have given you. Therefore, being reliable is 'having qualities that merit confidence or trust. Being trustworthy, dependable'.

What is the commonality in all these definitions? Consistency! Consistency! Consistency! Being reliable most of the time isn’t good enough. There isn't any gray area when it comes to being reliable. Either you are a reliable person, or you aren’t. Being consistent is essential to developing and maintaining a reputation as a reliable employee, friend, and person.

Have you ever had an important function to attend, and when you went to start your car the battery was dead? This is an excellent example of how important reliability is. You rely on your car starting when you turn the key, not just now and then, but every time you want to drive somewhere.

If a person lacks consistency in fulfilling commitments, others never know if they can rely on that person or not; and this can reduce or even eliminate real opportunities for success. How do you feel when you hear someone say,

"Oh sorry, I got busy and couldn’t get it done"
"I didn't put out much effort on this report, I just found it so boring"
"Guess what, something came up and I didn’t get it finished"
"Hi, I’m sorry, but I decided that I just can’t make it tonight"
"You know, I really meant to get it done, but I just couldn't find the time - sorry"
"I told them I'd be at the party, but I really don't like them, so I'm not going"
"They don't respect me, so why should I worry if it's completed on time or not"
"So what if I said I would. I can change my mind whenever I want to"

If you feel you may fall into the "almost always reliable" category, perhaps the following tips will help you build a reputation as someone who is reliable.

Tip #1 – Organization

Become organized. It’s easy to become distracted when a new or unexpected commitment arises. So to prevent this from creating a problem for other obligations, create a personal organizing system.

The social calendar and the Day-timer both exist to assist in organizing a person’s time. A quick glance gives you the information about the day or week’s activities.

Break larger projects down into smaller components. Not only does this process make a major or complex commitment more doable, but it also keeps you on track regarding its schedule, so you’ll be able to fulfill your commitments.

Organizational systems found in books and seminars can help people become more productive. And perhaps more important in the long run, they can help a person become more reliable. Seeing an appointment written on your calendar or Day-timer page keeps you aware of that commitment, and you’ll plan your time accordingly. This includes not accepting other obligations that may conflict.

Tip #2 - Routines

Establish routines. A routine is 'a habitual performance of an established procedure'. Brushing one’s teeth every morning and evening is part of a daily routine - a habit. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner is another component of a daily routine.

Routines help create structure in our lives, allowing us to focus on other issues that 'pop up' unexpectedly. Once a routine structure is in place, a foundation of behavior can become established. This foundation is built around time for your personal activities and time you spend with family. Sometimes we begin neglecting these areas when job demands start tugging at our time.

By the very nature of establishing routines, we become more reliable. Mealtime is a good example. Schedule a routine dinnertime, and the entire family starts expecting to eat together and talk about the day’s activities. To meet this obligation, you’ll schedule a routine about the time you leave work to be home for the family dinner. You become reliable, and every other family member also becomes reliable.

Not only will routines give structure to your schedule; they’ll also clearly show how your time is being spent. You’ll know if you have the time resources available to make a new commitment. If you do, that’s great. However, if you don’t have the time, you won’t agree to a commitment; then not fulfill your obligation.

The classy person creates routines and personal organization to meet obligations and spend quality time with others. Their 'word is their bond, and you can take it to the bank.'

Tip #3 - Always Do Your Best

Always do your absolute best to fulfill the commitments you make, and to constantly keep your standards of performance high in all areas. Trust me, other people know when you are doing your best or when you're just sliding along, not giving it your all. Remember, we are frequently judged by others for our lowest or poorest level of actions and performance, not our best; so always put your best foot forward, and be sure to fulfill the expectations you've given to others by being reliable in everything you do.

I'm Looking forward to sending you another of my ClassyTips next week. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to visit my Forum that answers your questions on 'Becoming the Best You Can Be'.

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