April 22, 2008
The PowerNetworking Minute
Know Your Limitations and Promise Only What You Can Deliver

(Continued)

Despite our most energetic and well-meaning intentions, we're simply unrealistic. The result? It backfires. When we cannot meet the deadline or produce all the product on time or downright fail, we look like a fraud.

So take a moment to think about the things you say and the promises you make.

• Do you exaggerate?
• Does your exuberance about a new undertaking inspire you to underestimate the amount of time the work will require?
• Do you consistently fail to factor in obstacles and delays?

Never make a commitment you can't fully expect to keep, especially if it will seriously affect the public reputation of a friend. The trick to this is knowing yourself, backwards and forwards, and sticking with truth.

Bottom Line: Take a hard look at yourself, your capabilities, your time requirements. Then make an informed statement about what you can and cannot do. That way, you keep your reputation intact.

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