…develops and maintains connection and friendship.
Friendship, bonding, cooperation, and cohesion are essential core qualities enabling success. How? They inform us we cannot become successful unless we work well with others. Earnestness binds friendship, bonding, cooperation, and cohesion. Therefore, being earnest is essential for reaching success.
Being earnest might not make a friend, but it will most certainly keep one. It takes time to become trusted, but once a person knows that our word, character, and commitment have withstood life’s trials and tribulations, a firm connection can be established and maintained. It might even evolve into a friendship.
When we recognize that a connection (in the form of a trusted colleague or friend) during times of need when we see that their values don’t shift with every changing tide, we are far more likely to stand up for them—and vice versa.
In every sector—from the military to education, to technology, to healthcare, to sports teams—people will do more for an earnest and sincere leader than they will for an insincere one, especially when the pressure is high. Being earnest works the same way in work environments. People will do more for a manager who genuinely cares about them than they will for one who is using them as a stepping-stone for their career or better their record. When people know the leader cares about them, they give their personal best. Earnestness is the agent that brings this dynamic to life.
Achievement and recognition will distance us from some people, and it won’t be our fault. There are always some people who want to trip us, keep us down, and there are others who want to keep us from going up. Those are not friendships based on earnestness. Like anyone else, I have people in my life who don’t like me. They disagree with certain things I do. Some took one thing I said in a particular context and framed me as ego-centric, not knowing or understanding the basis for my work. When I become aware of a problem, a significant disagreement, or misunderstanding, I attempt to reconcile with the person who was hurt or who is at odds with me. I have reached out in all sincerity; yet, in some cases, it has been to no avail. I wish it were otherwise, but we cannot force anyone to mend differences.
Having people in our lives, alienated from us doesn’t mean that it is the norm for us to leave people floating, drifting, and drowning like debris in our wake, then we aren’t a success, regardless of the recognition the world gives us. Without earnestness, we will alienate people needlessly. With earnestness, we will have an abundance of friends and be one step closer to success.
PRACTICE
To answer the following questions, rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 by circling the number that best fits you.
Relate one incident in which you stood for what was right or truthful, but there was a cost that you had to pay.
When you make mistakes, how fast do you seek to repair or make amends? What can you do to reduce the number of cracks I contribute to relationships, situations in which I participate?
COMMIT
[ ] I commit myself to becoming an earnest person in every area of my life, even when there is a cost.
Alongside technical skills, people who can master a range of subjective skills are better able to influence, deal with ambiguity, bounce back from setbacks, think creatively, and manage themselves successfully in their pursuit of mastery. Learn more about applying craft skills in the modern world.