Doing What You Say–Tip of the Week

Michael Bloomberg has received pretty high marks for his service as Mayor of New York. One of the things he promised to do is to improve public schools. Under his leadership, a new grading system for public schools was instituted last fall. Although the grading system received criticism from New York’s entrenched education bureaucracy, Bloomberg declared the fact that 52 schools received a grade of F was a wake-up call for the people who worked at those schools. The implication was that heads would roll.

But nearly a year after the public schools received their report cards under the new system, most of the principals of the 52 failing schools remain in place. As one observer said, “It is one thing to say that [heads will roll] at a press conference, but it is another to actually go through the process.” Bloomberg’s credibility as a public school reformer has taken a hit. Of course, reforming public schools anywhere (certainly in New York City) is a supreme challenge. The perception is that public schools continue to decline, politicians continue to say they’re going to fix them, and nothing ever happens.

It’s not all that uncommon for something like this to happen in the workplace–almost every day. A promise is made. A goal is set. A new structure is implemented. Higher standards are put in place. Poor performers are given a final warning. Then nothing. Credibility is lost–maybe forever. Cynicism makes itself at home.

If you don’t mean what you say, don’t say it. If you’re not going to follow through with some grand plan, put it on the shelf. You can’t lead unless employees believe you–trust you. So, say it. Then do it.