We’ve all been there: the meeting ends with nods all around, but a week later… nothing has moved.
The problem usually isn’t effort. It’s commitment. Vague promises give the illusion of alignment without creating accountability. And when follow-through fails, trust erodes.
Research shows the link is direct: clarity of commitments drives reliability, which drives trust (Covey, 2006). Patrick Lencioni calls it out too – when agreements are vague, dysfunction grows; when they’re explicit, execution soars (Lencioni, 2002).
Deliberate teams lock commitments down. They get specific:
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Who will do what
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By when
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And how success will be measured
This simple discipline transforms meetings from “talking shops” into engines of progress. It reduces wasted time, increases delivery rates, and strengthens confidence across the team.
Tips for Leaders
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End every meeting with crystal-clear commitments.
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Make them visible – dashboards, notes, or shared tools.
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Model reliability. Keep your own word first.
Tips for Teams
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Be specific, not vague.
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Check capacity before saying yes.
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Hold each other accountable – respectfully, but firmly.
Clear commitments aren’t just about getting things done. They’re about building a culture where trust and progress stick.
👉 As a leader, are your team’s commitments crystal clear – or do they dissolve once the meeting ends?
Working on building stronger, more connected teams?
This month’s FREE masterclass is for you: “Trust Me – Why You Need to Be Deliberate About Trust in Your Team.”
📆 27 October | 🕛 12–1 PM AEDT | 📍 Zoom
🔗 Register now to join from anywhere!
