Consent is like mud. It’s unstable and easily affected by circumstances, like the weather. But cement is steadfast and impervious.
When people consent, they may agree with an “OK,” they might even smile and nod, but they do not own that commitment, because they did not create it.
When people are involved in creating a commitment, they own it. And therefore they are more likely to act consistent with that promise by following through and executing in spite of circumstances.
People cement the commitments they help to create.
We can actually facilitate their shift in commitment:
- Instead of summarizing everyone’s action items, have people verbalize their promised deliverables to the group.
- Instead of sending people a list of responsibilities, have them document their own responsibilities on a project and distribute to the group.
- Instead of dictating commitments, have people declare their own commitments in writing and in meetings.
Through active and public declarations, people shift their commitments from wavering consent to anchored cement. And this invariably increases their success in following through and executing, which inevitably fuels their self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Less mud, more cement!