These days it seems often, that words have no meaning, and promises have no value.
Contrary to this trend, to build a better business, department, relationship words and promises are vital. Communication and promises are like deposits into an emotional bank account, broken words and broken promises are withdrawls. It is simple math, lots of withdrawls and no deposits, leaves you broke! But unlike real bank accounts, where money is the currency, words and promises don't cost you anything to give, but can cost you a lot in the long run in your bottom line, in both your business, your work, and your relationships.

Following the five points below to ensure that you keep making deposits and not withdrawls:

1. Be Consistent. - Inconsistency leads to confusion, confusion leads to chaos. If you are constantly inconsistent, people will loose faith, loose patience, and will stop asking for your input or direction, as it seems to them that it may change at any point in time anyway.

2. Don't make promises you can't keep. - This includes making blank statements such as "any thing you want" and promises that you don't have the ability or power to keep. My definition of "any thing you want" and your definition are probably two different things. If you make a promise, make it specific, and keep it, that way there can be no misunderstandings.

3. Always follow through on what you say. - This is a combined version of points 1 and 2. People don't usually expect something until you say that you are going to do it, provide it, or act on it. So the only thing that can happen is if you say it and don't follow through on it, is an immediate large withdrawl in the emotional bank account.

4. If you ask for feedback, take it, don't argue about it. (or in other words don't ask questions you don't want the answers to.)

5. Don't jump to conclusions. - There are always three sides to a story, yours, mine, and what really happened. Try to find out all three before deciding or acting. Be informed, before being the judge, and jury.