HOME & GARDEN CONSUMER GUIDE

Underpromise and Overdeliver Strategy

Have you ever planned a family outing and arrived home an hour late? By then, all the excitement and fun have gone out of the adventure. How different would the day have been had you arrived twenty minutes early?

Most of us have a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. Why? - it sounds "do-able" at the time - we want to please others - it feels uncomfortable to say "no".

We have good intentions but when it comes right down to keeping our commitment, we realize we didn't allow for enough time, money etc. The truth is, by over committing we end up living a high stress life, disappointing others, and ourselves and feeling out of integrity.

STEP #1
Instead of instantly "reacting" to the situation/question, stop and take a moment to "respond". Don't feel rushed into making a commitment. After all, your word is your bond. Respond back with something like, "Give me a minute to think about it", or "I'll check my calendar and get back to you in an hour". Then you can "overdeliver" by getting back to him/her in 10 minutes.

STEP #2
After you've taken the time to check your calendar/decide whether or not you're willing to commit to the request, here is the next step. Use the 150% strategy. How does that work? If you think doing a project will take four days, commit to six. If you think painting the kitchen will cost $200, plan for $300. Estimate how much time or money you'll need and then multiply by 1.5 - allow for "life" to happen.

You'll be amazed at the benefits you'll accrue by adopting this very simple strategy. You will: - restore your personal integrity - feel in control of your time and your money - wonder where the "pressure" went

Underpromising and overdelivering builds trust. You'll be respected because you keep your word. Are you willing to commit to "Underpromising and Overdelivering" for ONE week? Oops, wait a minute now... I'm asking for a commitment. When someone asks you for a time/money commitment this week; are you willing to take a few seconds to think about what you are committing to. If you decide you want to do it, add 50% to your reasonable estimate --- and then respond. ARE YOU WILLING?