Dependability
Definition
Being firm with commitments and consistently acting in a reliable manner.
What is it?
Dependability is the regular practice of timely following through on one’s commitments. When a dependable person makes a commitment to do something, it is as good as done, and done well.
Why is it important?
Employers are very aware of who can be depended upon and who can’t. They know who delivers results and who makes excuses. Dependable employees get their work done on time, are punctual with work and meetings, and can be trusted with important tasks. For this reason, they are often those that receive raises and promotions.
Suggestions for Improvement
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Do What You Say
First of all, we need to start by taking any deadlines or commitments very seriously. If you say you’re going to do something by a certain day or time, it needs to be done. Period. No excuses and no half-hearted attempt. Just do it. On the rare occasion that you can’t get something done on time, tell your supervisor immediately and make a sincere apology. Owning up to your own failure to meet the deadline will make a strong impression on him or her.
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Under Promise and Over Deliver
Second, it’s always a good practice to under-promise and over-deliver. If you say you will do something by Friday, have it done on Thursday. Better yet, have a rough draft done on Wednesday and get some feedback from others on how to improve it. When you do a better than expected job in less time than you had to, you will stand out. Doing so consistently will require self-discipline and excellent time management skills. You must keep track of all deadlines and plan out your time so that you can get everything when it needs to get done. We can’t procrastinate and we can’t leave things to the last minute. When we do, we look unprepared and unprofessional. We might think that other people don’t notice, but they do.
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Be Early
Finally, be 5-10 minutes early for every meeting or appointment. Be prepared and ready to go when the meeting starts. This is an easy way to set yourself apart. Because many people regularly run late, you can easily establish a reputation for being on time and prepared even if you have to wait a few minutes for the meeting to start.
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