The single most important factor in achieving any measure of sustainable success is commitment. There is no substitute, and no short-cut around it. A contract without commitment is just words on a piece of paper. Without commitment, an athlete with all of the potential in the world never becomes a champion. There is no such thing as an uncommitted leader. There is no such thing as an uncommitted achievement. And there can be no such thing as long-lasting success in your career without commitment.
You see, mediocrity and commitment cannot co-exist. It is an all-or-nothing-take-it-or-leave-it deal. You are either committed or you are not. More importantly, commitment is not reflected in what you say, it is manifested in what you do. It is more than a promise, a pledge, or a vow of assurance. Commitment is simple. Commitment is consistent. Commitment is reliable. Commitment is action.
In fact, commitment is the catalyst for all action. If you pledge yourself to a certain goal or specific purpose, then you act in alignment with that pledge by fulfilling your promise — that is, if your commitment is sincere. Commitment distinguishes what we want versus what we intend. I have said before that wanting will never get you anywhere. We all want to be successful, including your competition. Wanting success is not enough.
To W.A.N.T. is to Wait And Nothing Transpires.
When I ran a sports branding firm, I received résumé after résumé from college students, graduates from business schools, and graduating law school students who wanted a job in professional sports. If someone sends me a résumé and never follows up, I assume that they are not all that committed. What else am I supposed to assume? I could be wrong, but that person has not given me a
reason to think otherwise. I, like most employers, will not hire a person who is not committed, so I won’t waste my time following up with that person — not when I have others who will consistently check-in, follow-up, and express their interest. Commitment is a great way to distinguish yourself in today’s flooded marketplace.In my firm, ME Unlimited LLC, commitment is vital to our agency’s success. We have worked hard for every client that we have. And I work extra hard as a woman business owner. I have to. So, I expect that same hunger, passion and enthusiasm from anyone looking to join our company. Commitment is the number one filter that I use in building my team and choosing business partners and strategic alliances. Â The reason I value commitment so deeply is that it is one of those things that you
cannot teach, but makes all of the difference in the world. Confidence can be developed. Communication can be worked on. But, a fundamental ethos, or as I like to say, a commitment to commitment, cannot be taught.Through ME University®, I do a lot of seminars for executives in sales, financial services and competitive industries, along with those focused on small business owners. One focus is on how commitment serves as a value-enhancer in developing business, and how it can transform the culture of the work environment. The reality of the marketplace is that you will hear the word “no†more times than you will hear the word “yes.†But, if you are committed and do the right things, then eventually you will get a “yes.â€
At the end of the day, what counts is that people can count on you. As a professional, your ability to keep your commitments will either develop or dilute your brand. It communicates whether others will be able to trust, rely upon and refer you. In business, that is everything
. You need your boss, your clients, and your colleagues to think of you as a person committed to excellence. The question is, do they? Really take the time to assess what others (those who know you and have worked with you) would say about your performance and reputation. Finally, what can you do starting today to make sure that your colleagues are apt to give you raving reviews? I look forward to hearing from you.Marshawn Evans is s president of ME Unlimited L.L.C. and a weekly career advice columnist for BlackEnteprise.com. Connect with her online at Black Enterprise’s BE INSIDER, at www.marshawnevans.com, on Twitter at @marshawnevans and on Facebook at ME Unlimited by Marshawn Evans