There are times when workplace team leaders feel tempted to promise more than they can deliver. After all, promising is the easy part and gives a manager the appearance he is filled with solutions that can placate everyone.
For example, imagine a team member asking at the last minute to get out of working overtime because there's something else he wants or needs to do.
In the interest of keeping everyone motivated, happy and productive, it's tempting for managers to say something like, "Work these extra hours for me tonight, Paul, and I'll get someone else to cover the work next time."
But if "next time" comes and the leader can't deliver on his promise, his credibility will go out the window _ along with Paul's trust.
That's why it's better to be honest and say something more like: "It's too late for me to find someone else for tonight, Paul. So I need you to work this extra half-shift. If you can't or don't want to work the next overtime, let me know at least a few days in advance so we can try to find someone to work it for you."
Paul may be disappointed not to get what he wants today, but if his supervisor consistently says what he means and sticks by it, Paul and all his colleagues will trust the manager and give him their loyalty day in and day out.
Sure, there's a good point in the old phrase, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."
But for those leading a team, nothing is more important than what you say and how that matches up with what you do.
You've got to talk a walk you can walk.
