Page 207 - Fearless Leadership

194 FEARLESS LEADERSHIP

When revoking a commitment, communicate prior to the promised
deadline, not after you failed to deliver. Be honest about why you are not
keeping your promise, apologize for your impact, take accountability for
how your behavior has affected others, and recommit to a new action, dead-
line, or alignment. The only exception to this guideline is when something
urgent prevents you from communicating prior to the deadline. When this
occurs, communicate and take accountability as soon as possible.
Revoking a commitment is not a one-sided communication. A simple
“I’m sorry” is insufficient. A cursory acknowledgment is not an example
of responsibly revoking a commitment. You must be accountable for
your impact on others. You can do this only by finding out how your
broken commitment created a domino effect on their results and their
commitments.
In summary, responsibly revoke a commitment by using the following
guidelines:
1. Communicate prior to the deadline.
2. Communicate to the appropriate person.
3. Be accountable for your impact and clean up where
appropriate.
4. Realign on what is needed, and establish a new commitment.

MAKING AND MANAGING REQUESTS THAT
FORWARD THE ACTION
A request is a clear and concise question that moves the action forward
regardless of whether it is accepted or declined. The very act of making a
request “calls the question” and forces clarity and defines what action and
commitment others are willing to make. It takes courage to make a
request. You must be willing to clearly ask for what you want, even when
you believe your request will not be accepted. A clear and direct request
puts an end to circular discussions and demands a specific, committed
action.
Making a request is only half of the action. You must also manage the
response to your request by asking for one of four acceptable replies:

1. Yes. I accept the request.
2. No. I am declining the request.