Promise The World — and Deliver The Universe
We’ve all heard the timeless adage: under promise and over deliver. I know many successful and gifted people who endorse and apply that philosophy. In some cases, it makes total sense. At its root, it is a well-intentioned concept. However, I rarely follow that mantra. I believe in promising a lot — and delivering even more.
From my vantage point running enterprises with a significant workforce and collaborating with hundreds of organizations of all types, I’ve seen a noticeable cultural shift. Too many people take the easy road. I believe people find true fulfillment and happiness when they embrace the journey more fully.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should work endless hours or become one-dimensional. Nor am I suggesting that the path of least resistance appeals to everyone. However, there is a significant number of people who aim to deliver the minimum. They want to do the minimum. They want to skate by. The idea of promising high expectations is daunting because it means they may underdeliver at times. In their eyes, it risks failure. Ultimately, it makes it difficult to ever truly overdeliver.
I firmly believe people need to choose the hard path daily. Eventually, it becomes less frightening and begins to shape who we are. By choosing hard, we become better versions of ourselves and contribute at a higher level — no matter what we’re doing.
Personally, whether I’m working with a client, at one of our properties, or with a team member — professionally or personally — I will run through a wall for them. Sometimes I’ll break through. Other times, the wall might knock me back. Regardless, I will never underpromise what I know I can deliver. I will tell them exactly what I’m capable of — and then work tirelessly to exceed expectations.
I encourage people not to shy away from hard work, no matter the arena. Whether in your profession or any other area of your life, recognize what you are capable of — and push beyond it.
If you underpromise and aim to overdeliver, you may land in mediocrity more often than you think. But if you strive for excellence and fall slightly short, the result will still be higher than the alternative. You’re far more likely to reach a better outcome by setting bold expectations than by aiming low.
Choose hard — and discover the power within you.
By Chris Sinclair
Founder, The Anthem Group
