Deliver Results | FOW #14

While effort is appreciated, what gets recognized and rewarded are results. Set high goals, don’t overpromise, track and measure your progress, then hold yourself accountable for delivering on the results. 

Do you have a favorite book that you wear out because you read it all the time?I have several, but the one I refer to most in my coaching is The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey. (You may recognize the name, he is the son of Stephen Covey who wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.)Trust, in my opinion, is the most important value, quality, and behavior to have present in any situation for the best outcome. So, what does trust have to do with delivering results?As Covey points out in his book, in order for us to trust others, we look for evidence of credibility that is demonstrated by integrity, intention, capability, and results. It’s not enough to put forth a great effort. At some point, achieving results consistently will prove our credibility and have others trust us. When trust is present, everything seems to work!What’s important to note here is that delivering results is not all about the “what”, it’s important to keep in mind “how” we go about achieving those results. There are multiple examples of people achieving outstanding results that come with praise and acknowledgment only to find out later that the way they went about their success lacked integrity, broke the rules, or even the law.  We’ve seen many professional athletes and business executives fall and lose their titles because of this.Then, we have the culture of “everyone gets a trophy”. I watched my kids get trophies throughout all the sports and activities they did while growing up. Even as young children, they understood they didn’t achieve results for just participating.While showing up and participating is admirable, our results look very different if we have a drive to accomplish an outcome. It’s been proven that setting out to win will increase the likelihood of achieving that result with greater success. So, it’s more than just playing the game. Set your eye on the prize!In the words of the great Master Yoda,  ”Do or do not, there is no try.”Delivering results is the measurement of your commitment to yourself, to your goals, to any team you work with, and an opportunity to build trust.“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.” -Henry David ThoreauTurn that endeavor to a focused goal and deliver the results!  What results have you achieved this week, this month, this year? I would love to hear all about your success,  leave a comment below to share your latest wins with me!Go for it!Cheering you on,Martha Lynn