It’s ironic that when someone tells you they will try and do something, they often mean the exact opposite. Commonly, it’s an indication of a lack of commitment, rather than a strong intention to commit.
For example, if you invite someone to attend a corporate event, you know when they respond with; ‘I’ll try and make it’, that there’s at least a 50% chance they will not attend. What they have really said is that they almost certainly won’t be there, but they want you to believe that they REALLY wanted to. They did try, after all.
The marketplace is watching
Your prospective clients don’t need another provider, who can’t be relied on to follow through. They are not crying out for people, who make vague or uncertain promises. However, what there is always a need for, and shortage of, is professionalism.
This means:
- If we say we are going to do something, we should not only do it, but do it as well as we possibly can.
- If we know we are not going to do something, we should say so – Not lie that we will make some half-assed attempt.
- If we have to tell someone we will try, then we should REALLY try. We should use all our expertise, resources and effort to make (whatever) happen. Let them know that when YOU say you will try, you really mean it.
I’m going to try and resist finishing this brief post with that famous Yoda quote from Star Wars, where he explains the Jedi view on the subject of trying:
Do or do not… There is no try. ~ Master Yoda
Well, I did try!