Following Through

I guess I learned early in life the importance of dependability, following through, reliability, keeping my word.

I try to live my life acting in congruence with those character traits.  Sometimes, outside influences prevent me from being consistent with these traits.  But I really do try to do what I can to follow through.

I have some friends, colleagues and co-workers who seem to have difficulty with these character traits.  I am not sure why that is, but usually I see a combination of characteristics: poor planning, inability to set appropriate boundaries, poor time management, disrespect of others while they protest they respect others, and selfishness (although the person involved would strongly protest that character trait, while they selfishly try to be all things to all people.)

This is a particularly frustrating situation for me.  I am professional with my patients, and I am professional with my colleagues and co-workers, to the best of my ability, although I know sometimes I make mistakes and am lacking. Being adequate at your job does not excuse you from being disrespectful with your colleagues or co-workers. Trying to do and be all things to all people is not an excuse for not doing all things for all people.

Some people thrive on the adrenaline of meeting deadlines, and doing things at the last minute.  They are good at pulling things off at the last minute, without regard for how that influences or affect others around them who are awaiting their "piece" so someone can build on it.

I think not following through is disrespectful, and is a character statement for the person who does not follow through.