Think like a Viking: Part sixty four

This week's Viking quote

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Nothing good can happen to people who break their solemn vows.

_{- The Saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi -}

Keep your promises - It doesn't sound all that hard to do in theory, but in practice it seems keeping promises isn't all that easy at all for some; I'm no sure why that is, just another way society is moving backwards. Breaking promises happens though, sometimes inadvertently and other times it's purposeful; each come with implications and possible ramifications, good or bad.

I've always been one to do what I say I'm going to but it would be somewhat self-righteous of me to say I've never broken a promise; I'm not sure anyone on the planet could say so and be truthful. Things happen, circumstances change and promises or commitments get broken; it's part of being human.

In business, keeping promises and doing what one says they will do is vitally important and I learned a long time ago to back up intent with action and not to make promises I couldn't keep - it simply sets a person up for failure. Being on time for instance, it shows respect for other people and their time, and is a good way to open a relationship. Being late to an appointment, with a customer for example, is a good way to start off on the back foot and at times it may be impossible to regain that initial lost ground. I guess a similar example is being late the the first date with someone you're really into - Not a good look.

I've always been very punctual, being a disciplined person helps that along, and I absolutely loathe tardiness; if I can manage to be punctual, I expect others to be as well, but of course that always doesn't happen and I have had to lower my expectations of people, which I do; most start from a very low position and have to work their way upwards from there. I have a high expectation of myself though and work tirelessly to maintain that including punctuality.

Honouring my commitments, statements of intent or promises is something I work hard at in my personal life and in business and, when it comes to customers and general business meetings, I do everything in my power to ensure punctuality.

A trick I learned some time ago was to not set an exact appointment time.

Rather than set 11:00 for a meeting, I'd set it for 11:00-11:15 which gives me a small window to account for any possible delays in arriving. Of course, I'd endeavour to be there at 11:00 but having a fifteen-minute buffer helped to avoid the perception of lateness if I was running behind. It worked really well, although it's not always appropriate - If not, then I make sure I set my appointments far enough apart that I know I won't be late. Furthermore, if I think I may be late, a phone call made before the appointment meeting time is a good way to maintain integrity.

Making bold announcements of intent, commitments and promises then not following through sends a message and will generally catch up with a person over time, negatively. Holding to commitments, staying steadfast and resolute in respect of one's intent and promises and generally doing what one said they will do shows respect, discipline and character...and that will be rewarded positively.

That's it for this week, a thousand year-old Viking quote that speaks of the merits of honouring one's commitments. It could be a simple as arriving to a meeting on time, following through intent with action or many other things. I believe it will help create better relationships and personal gain through feeling good about the fulfilment of the commitment.

Please feel free to disagree with my interpretation and add your own in the comments below.

Skol.

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