Pursue Excellence Virtue is “the moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right.” Dependability is only as good as the principles guiding it. Sometimes fulfilling your role as a friend or coworker means confronting someone about his or her bad attitude. Your integrity will guide your means and your [...]
1. Be Careful What You Promise The value you place on your commitments will determine your dependability. Recognize the seriousness of giving your word. When you agree to meet someone for a friendly lunch, for example, your punctuality demonstrates your value of your friend. When you set a project completion date, make a realistic [...]
Drivers and pedestrians depend on a bridge because it consistently does its job, and coworkers, family members, and friends can count on you to the extent you show dependability. Connect A bridge connects the two sides of a riverbed or valley, benefitting both sides. Similarly, dependability allows a person to maintain good relationships. Everyday [...]
To Your Post! In a.d. 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city of Pompeii. Archeologists have uncovered the remains of some 2,000 fleeing inhabitants. But one soldier remained at his post, his handgripping the hilt of his sword. Today his armor stands in the National Museum at Naples. Know your role, and always [...]
"Where is your homework?" asked the teacher. "My dog ate it," the little boy replied. "Young man, I've taught school for eighteen years. Do you really expect me to believe that excuse?" "But it's true!" the boy exclaimed. "I had to smear it with honey, but I finally got him to eat it!" Don't [...]
Innovation and stiff competition motivate some organizations to emphasize design changes and cheap replacement rather than durability, but some companies still find ways to build dependability into their services and products. Find Flexible Solutions Electronic Design interviewed Jim O’Grady, head of Hewlett-Packard’s Financial Services’ Technology Value Solutions (TVS). TVS offers replacement options and helps [...]
A Horseshoe Nail In 1485, on England’s Bosworth Field, the armies of Henry, Earl of Richmond, sought to overthrow King Richard III. Richard summoned his troops and called for his best horse. According to legend, the king’s blacksmith ran out of iron and could not make enough nails to secure all of the horse’s [...]
Picture This! Dependability is fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice. Have you ever used a compass to help you find your way? No matter where it is, a compass always points north. You can depend on it! You can be dependable like a compass by keeping your promises, [...]
Focus Your Life Busy schedules and a desire for approval can make it difficult to say “no” and even harder to keep up with everything. Identify Responsibilities Life brings along many new experiences, but these good ideas can become a distraction or a burden if they prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities. Identify your [...]
Carry On Tires bear a vehicle’s weight all the time, and when the vehicle is in motion, the tires must propel the vehicle forward and maintain enough traction to maneuver safely. Similarly, your dependability frames the rest of your character. You might show diligence, but if you are not consistent or if you do [...]