How To Stay Committed When Those Around You Don’t

I get triggered when people around me aren’t contributing equally or sticking with their commitment.  It reminds me of growing up with my siblings and parents, and having chores to do.  We all had them, but I was always nosey to find out what everyone else was doing, or not doing, to make sure that I wasn’t doing more than anyone else.  

The purpose of this short Leadership Tip is to help people stay on the path of productivity or commitment, even if others aren’t matching your efforts.

Working with so many workplaces, I hear common complaints from both employers and employees, around the idea that people aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing –and/or – then why should I?   

Lack of effort can be a conflict starter.  Different people have a different work ethic, different goals, and come from different personal lives, which is why human relations has a complexity that can ignite into a huge ball of fire, heat, and leave people feeling burned. 

Imagine you’ve joined a committee to resolve a workplace issue, and it gets off to a strong start, but over the next few meetings, you notice not everyone is present, items to be accomplished between meetings is falling off the priority list and the committee is loose.  What do you do?  It’s hard to stay on the path of productivity when others fall off.  You could (a) join those who lose commitment, or (b) stay committed.  If you choose (b) you will be honouring your word, exercising your discipline and standing in your decision to join the committee in the first place.   

This same example can apply to any goal or new direction, or change that’s underway, or personal change that you’d like to make but you’re waiting for others to get on board.   

If you’re finding yourself wavering in your own commitment because people aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing –and/or thinking, then why should I?, imagine just being autonomous…being you, regardless of what others are doing or not doing.  When you make and keep commitments to yourself, because you said you would, it’s fuel for your confidence and helps you trust yourself.  That’s huge.  Isn’t that reason enough? 

Some people are more committed to their word than others.  I’ve often said, “When all is said and done, more is said than done.”  That’s a fact we can use as a reasonable excuse to not stay committed, or we can continue to be our word.  Being our word inspires trust from within, and from others. 

If I can help you or your team stay committed, then, I’m committed.  Call me because your greatest leadership day is with Penny Tremblay.