Ever bit off more than you can chew? I do it all the time. But despite the best of my intentions, sometimes things just come up and you just can't fulfil all the obligations that you've wound yourself up in.
It's a mistake born of good intentions. Sure I'll get that mix done for you by the end of the week. No problem, we can sell out this venue for sure!
It's an easy trap to fall into, and one that we make all by ourselves!
Enter: the brilliantly simple principle of underpromising and overdelivering - where you simply do as it states: Underpromise (aka give yourself more leniency and time), and overdeliver (get the task done sooner than you said you would).
At first glance, it's easy to dismiss this idea; after all, underpromising seems like a lacklustre way to perform professionally and surely people wouldn't respond to that very well - but in fact, it's genius - because it's all about how we frame things.
The principle of underpromising and overdelivering is actually about NOT overpromising and then underdelivering.
Peoples trust, and expectations in you, are based solely on how you act and treat them. Missing a deadline might not be malicious, but you did miss the deadline, and they are going to begin to not depend on your word.
Now, say you told them a different deadline, one that was two days later than the date that you actually thought you'd have it done by. Two possible scenarios now present themselves: things go accordingly and you finish, as you had expected, two days earlier than what you told the other person. They are now thrilled - you over delivered.
Scenario #2 - Something comes up and it ends up taking you a little longer, but because of the two day buffer you installed by telling them a slightly delayed date, you now still finished on schedule - it's not an over deliver, but it was consistent with your word and they will be happy.
It comes down to your word, and by being slightly clever and utilizing the underpromise and overdeliver principle, your word will be considerably more consistent and trustworthy - which should be of the outmost value to you, no matter what field you are working in.
Plus, as a bonus - you'll be way less stressed out by your deadlines ;)
Jump on in and listen to the episode and we hope you enjoy it!
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