In a recent chat with my son, talking about the future of the nonprofit that he leads (Texas Search and Rescue, recently recognized by the Governor’s office with a Governor’s Volunteer Award), we discussed the many moving pieces – members, volunteers, board members, staff, logistics, planning – and the exciting developments that are coming into view. It can be a challenge to get an organization heading in just one direction. It is impossible to get everyone pulling the same way at the same time with the same level of commitment. It is up to the leadership team to make it happen despite the challenges.

We discussed those challenges and then he said, “We’re all going in the same direction because we said we would.”  I called out his statement as something more profound than he maybe realized. I repeated it to him and a new, short discussion ensued about the importance of giving one’s word, of commitment, and of integrity.

Committing to what you say is the difference between dreams and achievements, between strategic plans and accomplishments, between promises and fulfillments. Words are cheap; committing to your words is priceless.