There’s nothing solid that will come of “squishy” commitments.
When I’m working with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) leadership teams, we spend a great deal of time working on concrete language and it becomes a superpower once you learn it.
The world at large is “squishy.” What I mean by that is it’s more common to encounter people who communicate with fuzzy, malleable, unclear language than it is to find definite, unwavering, clear language.
If you’ve ever heard or said:
- I’ll do my best…
- I’ll try…
- I’ll have it for you next week…
- I’ll research that and get back to you…
- Maybe, let me see…
- We’ll have a conversation and see what happens…
- I’d like to make more money…
- I wish I had more time…
These are all examples of non-specific, “squishy” language. Try these for contrast:
- I’ll complete it by (date, time of day).
- I’ll do it. Count on me.
- I’ll have it to you (day, time).
- I’ll research it and give you my recommendation by (date, time).
- Yes./No, thank you.
- I’ll have the conversation with the intention of __________ happening by (day, time).
- I’m going to make $X by (date).
- I’ll make time. We can do it (date).
If you want success, commit with certainty and move on. Leaving wiggle room won’t get you or anyone else what they want. “Yes” and “no” work well; however, “maybe” won’t get you there.
Categories: Sue's Daily Blog, Unfuckwithable
