Commitment
A Lesson in Accountability from Our EVP
By Scott J. Medeiros, Executive Vice President of Operations
There are few character traits more important than commitment. It’s a critical ingredient in gaining and sustaining trust. It galvanizes a person’s dependability, reliability, and tenacity when part of a team. But most importantly, it fuels you to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals.
However, commitment is not a short-term endeavor. It is a pledge to do something in the future. An emotional and intellectual devotion to a course of action or another person. An assurance that one will remain engaged for extended periods of time.
In a perfect world, everyone associated with your work or cause is committed to its purpose. If help were promised, you would expect the individual to follow through on that promise. Unfortunately, many pay lip service when they declare their commitment to a cause. But commitment is not a ‘feel good’ word; it denotes the willingness to endure pain, hardship, inconvenience, and self-sacrifice to support a team member or attain your objective.
What Happened to Commitment?
Not long ago, business was performed on one’s word or simply a handshake. The verbal exchange or clasping of hands forged a bond, a commitment to deliver on their agreement. Adherence to their promise was more than expected; it was guaranteed. Additional checks and balances were not necessary. Reminders were superfluous. Both parties did whatever it took to stay true to their commitment. It was a simpler and more predictable time. The business environment today is murkier, especially on a global scale. Legal documents force parties to honor their commitments, and personal expressions of devotion are received with a dash of skepticism.
After a steady rise in the 1930s and 40s, the use of the word “commitment” increased exponentially. By the 50s, it soared in regularity before peaking in 1993. It has been on a steady decline since. Is this downward trend an indicator that we are less committed as individuals or as a society? Should we no longer count on people to do what they say they’ll do? In modern culture, commitment often comes at a price, as if pride, honor, and character have disappeared. But regardless of today’s social norms, it doesn’t have to be this way in the Rosewood Family of Companies.
Let's Reclaim Commitment
Each day we all have the opportunity to revive the power of commitment. To bask in the comfort of knowing that someone has your back, that they will be present, ready, and engaged for the long haul. Let’s honor our pledge to one another, our company, and our clients by acting with respect, responsibility, and accountability.
How do we achieve this? We strengthen trust and reliability when we accomplish a task without the need for reminders. We display commitment to our company when we accept an assignment and report on time. We honor our obligation to clients by completing a task to our promised level of quality. And finally, we fortify our character when we live by the Rosewood values. Through each of these actions, we revitalize the meaning of commitment, despite the highs and lows of business.
Commitment Despite Adversity
COVID-19 tested our commitment to our clients, but we remained steadfast in our agreements. Despite the dire circumstances, many employees displayed unwavering loyalty to Rosewood by continuing to work. The lure of enhanced unemployment benefits did not sway their commitment to our cause or their teammates. They were faithful to their promises, honored their agreements, and willingly gave extra effort to ensure success.
To all Rosewood Family members: We salute the sacrifices you have made, are honored by your service, and thankful for your ongoing commitment.
Interested in learning more from Scott? Check out his company podcast below!