Responsibility

Make sure people can count on you.

If you say, “I’ll get this to you by Wednesday,” then make every effort to get it to them by Wednesday.

This has been a personal challenge recently since I developed a lingering case of bronchitis. I have been relieved that I typically use “under-promise and over-deliver” estimates—I’ve had that cushion to make sure I can get things done this past month. Highly recommended.

Make sure you give yourself a margin for error; you never know what will suddenly pop up. And teach your team members the same practice; if you think you can get it done in 10 hours, give yourself 12, just in case.

(image source: www.workchronicles.com/p/comic-the-estimate-game)