April

“Then you should say what you mean,” the March Hare went on.
“ I do,” Alice hastily replied; “at least—at least I mean what I say—that’s the same thing, you know.” “Not the same thing a bit!” said the Hatter. “Why you might just as well say that ‘I see what I eat’ is the same thing as ‘I eat what I see’!” Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Mean what you say. In professional, as in all relationships, credibility is key. If you don’t mean it or can’t back up your word with action, don’t say it. If you tell people something, most will take you at your word, and be sorely disappointed if you don’t keep it. In all things, whether they are small and great, it matters. Whether you tell someone you’ll meet with them from 4 to 5, or that your product will be ready at a specific time, or your service will meet their need, or their commitment of time and money will make a difference in society, your word is your pledge. Offering a “money back guarantee” or a “cross my heart, and hope to die” does not build credibility. It implies that people really might not be able to take you at your word. Standing on your laurels won’t do it either. Even if you’ve won the Nobel Prize or the adulation of the best in your field, if you’ve told little fibs or big fat lies or can’t deliver what you’ve promised or advertised, your credibility is damaged.