Actions Over Words in Building Credibility

The #SayDo Ratio is a concept that I learned very early in my career. It is one of the most effective ways to measure how well your actions stack up against your words and commitments. Are you walking the talk? Because talk is cheap, but actions speak louder than words. I remember my Say:Do ratio being closer to 90% when I was younger. Along the way, we get complacent and tend to focus more on the important and urgent stuff. In today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly being bombarded by distractions, it can be very hard to follow through and keep track of this. I’d say mine is closer to 70% these days. And I’ve been trying to get it back to 90%. A strong Say:Do ratio is an essential element of building credibility, trust and respect, leading to stronger relationships. So, what can you do to improve yours? Here are a couple of tips: Step 1: Be realistic about what you can commit to. ️ Step 2: Follow through on your promises, big or small. Step 3: If you feel you’re missing those, go back to Step 1 A few other things you can do to improve your ratio: - Set achievable priorities - Hold yourself accountable - Set up reminders (to avoid procrastination) - Learn to say “No”. I’m still working on this. - Communicate - if you’re unable to follow through, let people know. Avoiding/Ghosting is the worst thing you can do. By aligning words with actions, we build trust, credibility, and momentum, all essential tools for personal and professional growth. What's your current "say-do" ratio? #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Accountability #WalkTheTalk #saydoratio #credibility #professionaldevelopment #leadership #trust #career

I get asked this question a lot by construction professionals in their 20s and 30s: “How do you gain respect from Supers or Executives 30 years older than you?” It’s a fun question because I’ve dealt with it my whole career. To me, gaining respect with more experience colleagues comes down to 3 things: 1. Admit what you don’t know 2. Commit to putting in the work 3. Show up every single day ready to work - When you admit what you don’t know, you admit you are willing to learn - When you commit to putting in the work, you demonstrate your desire to grow - When you show up every day, you gain credibility by delivering over and over again Usually this sounds something like: “I know I’m young and that I have a lot to learn. There is so much you know that I don’t. My commitment to you is that I will put in the work. I will be a sponge and learn everything from you that I can. And in the process, I hope I will gain your respect.” Then, the key? Show up every. single. day. and DO IT. - Smile when you want to slump your shoulders. - Bring your best you. - Lead by example. If you do that every day for 6 months? You’ll start gaining that respect. My takeaway: No amount of words will ever get you respect. Putting in the work will. I hope that helps.

Deeds outweigh declarations. Lead through demonstration to inspire others. Apply these strategies: - Value everyone's time by being punctual for meetings, appointments, and deadlines, setting a standard of respect and professionalism. - Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members, empowering them to take ownership and initiative in their work. - Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of team members, celebrating their successes and milestones to boost morale and motivation. - Address conflicts and disagreements promptly and constructively, facilitating resolution through effective communication and mediation. - Regularly reflect on your own leadership style and effectiveness, seeking feedback and opportunities for personal growth and improvement. It's the consistent execution of small actions that establishes credibility in your leadership capacity. What small actions do you prioritize to build credibility and trust in your leadership role? #leadership #business #entrepreneurship

Trust is built through actions, not words! Trust is at the heart of any effective leadership style. I’ve found that it can make or break a team's performance, morale and overall success. Today, I want to share some insights on building and maintaining trust within your team, based on my 20+ years of experience in leadership roles. Transparency is Key: Share important updates, both good and bad. If something isn't going well, it’s better to let your team know rather than keeping them in the dark. People appreciate honesty. Open-Door Policy: Make sure you're approachable. If team members feel they can come to you with any problems or suggestions, you’re on the right track. Be Consistent: Try to treat everyone fairly and keep your promises. If people know what to expect from you, they're more likely to trust you. Acknowledge Mistakes: We're all human... we all make mistakes. Owning up to them shows maturity and reliability, two qualities that help build trust. Provide Feedback: Positive or constructive, feedback helps team members know where they stand and how they can improve. It's a two-way street... encourage them to provide you with feedback too. Tip: Always use Positive Reinforcement when giving feedback... don't make it all about the individuals shortcomings. Empower Your Team: Delegating tasks or responsibilities not only shows you trust your team's skills but also encourages their own development. The sense of ownership they get from it often leads to better results. Show Appreciation: Recognize and reward good work. Simple acts of appreciation can go a long way in building a positive and trusting work environment. Stick to Your Values: Integrity is crucial. If your actions reflect your words, people are more likely to trust you. Active Listening: Take the time to listen to your team's concerns and ideas. This not only fosters trust but can also provide you with valuable insights. Follow Through: If you commit to something, do everything in your power to make it happen. This confirms that you're reliable, further building trust. Leadership isn't about pretending to have all the answers. Simon Sinek - "In leadership, the quickest way to lose trust is to pretend you have all the answers. The best way to build it is to prove you don't." #LeadershipTrust #BuildingTeams #TransparencyInLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EffectiveLeadership