Counting Quote by Werner Erhard
“Oversimplifying somewhat, honoring your word as we define it means you either keep your word (do what you said you would do and by the time you said you would do it), or as soon as you know that you will not, you say that you will not to those who were counting on your word and clean up any mess caused by not keeping your word.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Personal Responsibility Seminar, 2005
Keeping promises requires either fulfilling them or promptly informing others and repairing any harm caused.
In simple terms: Honor your word by doing it or communicating failure.
Be reliable and transparent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- team projects
- customer service
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What systems can you create to avoid broken promises?
- How do you handle the fallout of a broken promise?
Sometimes external constraints prevent fulfillment despite best intentions.