A common example of over-promising in a business environment is,
When we are requested to produce a report (or something), are asked to suggest a date and time the report will be given AND to which we reply for example, “By the close of business today!” (This assumes that actual delivery will, in fact, not occur by the COB.)
Through this exchange, we know that the following has occurred,
- a request was made for a report,
an option on delivery was offered,
a commitment delivery was made, and
an expectation was established.
At this point there is only one meaningful outcome: deliver the report on time or earlier. No other choices will be deemed acceptable and will be considered an excuse if offered. Why the hate?
When we accepted the task and set the time for delivery it was on our terms and at our discretion. Failing to meet our deadline demonstrates poor time management and a failure to meet commitments. These are serious integrity and character issues.
When we tell others what we think they want to hear in the business environment, we are setting up a straw house (re: Three Little Pigs) which will blow over at the least provocation.
When we continually over-promise and under-deliver, we are establishing our character. . . .
The success of the individual is rooted in their integrity; your character influences your integrity. The phrase, ‘my word in my bond’, demands integrity and character.
So when we over-promise and under-deliver we are broadcasting to others, ‘my word is meaningless and cannot be relied upon.’