Keeping Your Word

I am in absolute agreement. I had to make a business decision recently which hurt me a little. I had given a particular figure for a transaction, however I discovered later there had been slight changes unknown to me. In the particular context it would have seemed dishonest if i made changes, so i let it go. This disturbed me a little for about two days but after a couple of weeks I am excited I made the choice. I can easily approach the person in future if the need arises and not have to worry about my reputation!

Living by integrity is just the right thing to do. There is usually a clear path of right vs wrong. Sad that some choose the path of least resistance when it comes to doing what is right. As the world becomes more interconnected and as social media creates more layers of transparency, I hope that people will be forced to live and work with a greater regard for integrity. I think it’s happening. Failure to do so will show up faster and be more costly than ever to brand equity, person and professional.

Side note… I am a man of my word but there have been rare occasions when I dropped the ball. IF that happens I don't hide from it. I address it immediately and I try my best to make it right. Living in integrity doesn't mean you are perfect or without the chance of failing, it means you strive to do what is right… doing your very best to make clear and sound decisions…. but if you fail… you own up to it, you take action to fix it and you try not to repeat it.

Like you Michael I have been disappointed by people who did not honor their word. A year ago I was brought into a medical business, they wanted to use my platform to promote their business. I wanted ownership which they verbally committed to. I also wanted to reorganize the business so it operated with integrity, which they also agreed to.

Because they didn't honor their word with anything, in the natural this had a very negative impact on my families financial situation but even as this was happening I honored my word even though they didn't. Once they got all they thought they could out of me they asked for my key to the building back as kicked me out, no shares, they didn't fairly compensate me for all my time traveling around,etc. I don't know the impact this will have on them but it sounds like they are going out of business. For me, my God will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This was a lesson in forgiveness for me. The Lord says we are to forgive and He is teaching me this lesson at a very personal level right now.

Honoring your word may look like the wrong thing to do sometimes but regardless of cost it is imperative! God wants us to walk upright and with integrity.
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I recently had someone tell me a reason for something and I later found out in a meeting with a large group that was not the case at all. I would have been okay with the reasoning, but I felt like I deserved the truth.

I felt let down.
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This post will be posted in my daily blessings book to remind me that God is my provider, because I needed this encouragement today. My home business is caring for the disabled and my precious person passed into God's arms. Over a month ago, someone asked me to care for their family member, which I agreed to do, putting off applying at other agencies. The day before they were to move in, I found out the person was placed elsewhere. Needless to say, I turned in applications elsewhere ASAP. Over a month ago, I agreed to do respite starting today, which would take care of my house payment next month. Yesterday, the person also reneged. So I here I sit rehearsing truth, “People are not the source of my salvation, Jehovah-Jireh is. God will provide.” God offers the most security we can find in this world. I just wish my body would get on board with the truth. Smile.
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What a timely message in today's world. I have been impacted by people not keeping their word. It was a blow as it was in a company where I believed integrity was our business model. When leadership changes, that isn't always the case unfortunately. Still, in the end, it's been okay as God blesses no matter what. That has led me to opportunities that I didn't know would exist and I am thankful. I also think that we are all human and one important key is that if you do drop the ball, as others have said, you own it, apologize, and move on, striving to do it right the next time. In the world, our integrity is what builds and keeps relationships. Without it, I don't see much chance of real true success.
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Good post. I noticed that whenever I kept my word or atleast asked to be released out of it when I know I cannot make it, things have worked for me in life smoothly. The moment my integrity begins to slip things have also slipped in life too. Now I strongly believe that I need to become conscious of giving my word. Eeks, sometimes I do it so unconsciously!____Akila

You are absolutely right! Words are powerful. God used words to create the world. We may not be creating physical worlds with the things we say, but the things we say do create a world of thought that will either reflect negatively or positively on us.
My recent post There r basically 2 kinds of Christians, those who strive 4 unity & those that strive 4 primitivism (New Testament way). Unity builds relationships but compromises doctrine. Primitivism focuses first on doing it the NT way, but allows relationships to break down. Which r u? Is it more important to do it "right" or do it together as one?

What an amazing testimony. The Lord will no doubt bless your commitment to show honor. I pray with these words that He does so with a visible connection. Thanks for sharing, Mike.
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Hi Michael,

I ran into the issue of promises recently in a nonprofit for which I volunteered.

Someone who had a highly visible, organization-wide role–one that is critical to the charge of the committee (for which I am chair)–stopping coming through. After a long and difficult conversation, it became clear that in this person's mind, there was no broken promise–because there had never been a promise. In effect, because of the fact that it was volunteer work, that made it totally optional in this person's view. The situation made me much more cognizant of thinking through, aloud, what the expectations are when a commitment is made, particularly in this organization.

The unforeseen consequences for the party in this was that it gave me a clear view of what to expect from the business this person owns. Needless to say, trust was lost and their reputation was badly damaged.

I am reminded of the parable of the talents–to be faithful in the small things is every bit as important as the big things.

Grace and peace to you,
Tara
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Although I am a fan of this blog, I don't understand the logistics and obligation behind the consideration to honor a commitment made by a third party. The status of "former" does not give that person authority. I am assuming that the former executive does not represent the company anymore at any capacity. Although I am a student of integrity and building character, sometimes what we try to do good has negative effects, when it feeds the indulgence of an individual. Therefore it is my belief that honoring a commitment made by a former executive has (negative) repercussions that affect the rest of the company (staff, clients, employees), ie. irresponsible expenses & loss in revenue. Why should the rest of the company (staff, clients, employees) have to pay for the indulgence of the company's decision to honor a commitment made by a former executive that no longer has the company's best interest at the heart of the decision making?

Integrity is what you do when no one is looking. It would be very easy for you to say that the executive in question wasn't authorized to make that decision and back out on your end of the deal. I respect your decision to honor your commitments. I have several friends who work for Thomas Nelson and now I understand why.
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A further thought is that all businesses, especially those with a kingdom ethic, should put relationships first. If your counter-party had a need to alter the deal, they would approach you and negotiate new terms – just as you have every right to do. If approached sensitively the relationship could be enhanced to bring far more value to both parties over time than the current terms can achieve now, which rightly promotes value over price and issue over position. Truth is that an email commitment by a non-authorised representative of TN is not legally binding. It is merely a tacit statement of intent that should have been formally ratified, although I fully accept that is not the heart of your concern – that said, the legal context could be used to guide this into a mutually beneficial arrangement. Even Jesus said, “Be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves.”

Its true that leadership means honoring ones word. One needs to learn about leadership from the Olympic gold medalist rower- Sir Mathew Pinsent.
At the IMD OWP 2010 Pinsent will share his experience from four Olympic campaigns, which resulted in four gold medals. He will highlight the importance of goal setting, communication, trust and ultimately the courage it takes to win in the toughest of conditions.

I suppose you followed that deal even it was not too favorable for yr company?

"Contracts were made to be broken, honey, but a handshake is the law of God." (J.R. Ewing)