Matthew 21:28-31 “’… There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?’”
The message of this parable was that the rabble-rousing crowd first said “no” to Jesus but changed its mind and followed Him into the Kingdom. On the other hand, the religious crowd said “yes” but never meant it.
Principle: In business, it is better to under-promise and over-deliver.
When Steve Jobs came back to take over Apple Computer, he took charge but rejected offers from the company’s board to become chairman and chief executive officer. He simply wanted to point Apple in a positive direction, even though he had brooded for years over the way he had been previously forced out of the company.
He said he did not want to run the company because of his desire to spend more time with his family and to be involved in Pixar Animation Studios, a movie production company. Apple needed Jobs with or without a title. He was an executive who consistently under-promised and over-delivered. Look at the iPod, Apple’s increasing market share, and then Pixar in 2006.
In a business leadership situation, say what you mean and mean what you say. Be realistic especially since someone depends on the outcome. One of the hardest words to say in the English language is “no.” It is as hard to say as it is to hear … sometimes harder. With my personality, the first tendency is to say “yes.” Many people are this way. It makes us feel good when we please others. However, we know this is not realistic and it is not always the right thing to do.
The person being asked may have good reasons to say “no.” A leader must ask the questions: Can we afford it? How will it affect the work to be done and our priorities? How will it affect others? Will it be consistent with what I have done with others? What if everyone had the same request?
“No” can be a better response than “I’ll think about it” – and then not thinking about it. A quick “yes” can lead to disappointment and long excuses. A “no” with a later change of mind to “yes” can be a good thing.
Discussion:
1. Are you a people pleaser? Is it your default action to say “yes” too quickly?
2. When running your business, when did you over-promise and under-deliver?
3. How about the opposite? Which turned out to please your clients more?
