In a recent casual conversation with a retired international senior manufacturing executive, Tony Worthington (and new friend), I heard a new concept, your Say/Do Ratio. Well, a new twist on a very old concept anyway. In the spirit of “I want to learn something new every day” (and I hope that you do as well), I feel that this term is important enough to share.

One of the earlier and most important things that I learned from my father was a close cousin to this Say/Do Ratio concept. He taught me thru his word and deeds was that “your word is your bond and non-negotiable”.  The people that I deal with know that they could take my word to the bank, almost literally. (Later in my career I was able to put together multiple seven-figure deals together with people solely on the value of my hand shake).

It is not always free. Be assured that there were many times that it cost me dearly in terms of my bank account. As a result of those deeds and others backing up my word, every withdrawal from that account that was made in defense of my word compounded in the value of the Trust that I was able to build with my associates and friends.

This basis of Personal Integrity is probably the most important attribute that you can have in your life, both corporate and personal. Doing what you say you will do seems so simple, yet so many people do not follow-up and execute on their promises. When they do not, their Say/Do Ratio is compromised and they are no longer trusted as much either.

This concept is so crucial in every area of your life and yet you might be surprised at how many people notice if your Say/Do Ratio is not 100%. Past behavior predicts your future behavior. If you always do what you say you will do, no matter what it is or what it will cost you, you will earn great trust and respect from those around you and “your word can be taken to the bank” as well.

In conclusion: if you do not really have intentions of actually doing something, do not say that you will. It is a simple as that. Be intentional about your promises and always deliver. The trust that you will build is crucial to your future success and personal brand. Make your Say/Do Ratio 100%.