Hi,

Toward the end of a recent podcast interview, my guest mentioned that she is an alumnus of Promise Driven Leadership and now teaches the same at a US institute. My ears pricked up and of course I had to do a little more research, the following is what I found. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, one leadership philosophy stands out for its practicality and effectiveness: Promise-Driven Leadership.

This approach emphasizes the importance of making explicit, meaningful commitments to teams and stakeholders—and, perhaps more crucially, delivering on those promises consistently. But what does it really mean to lead with promises, and how can it transform an organisation?

The Pillars of Promise-Driven Leadership - At its core, promise-driven leadership is built on several key principles that can redefine organisational culture:

1. Building Trust through Reliability - Imagine a workplace where leaders keep their word. When promises are made and honoured, trust flourishes. This reliability becomes the bedrock of an organisation’s culture, fostering strong relationships among team members and enhancing overall morale. Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have's essential for collaboration and innovation.

2. Clear Accountability -Vague intentions lead to confusion and unmet expectations. By making specific promises, leaders set clear standards for themselves and their teams. This clarity not only facilitates tracking progress but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their responsibilities. When everyone knows what’s expected, accountability becomes a shared value.

3. Authentic Communication - Promise-driven leaders are mindful about their commitments. They don’t overpromise; instead, they assess their resources and capabilities realistically. This honest assessment ensures that what they commit to is achievable, fostering a culture of transparency and integrity. When leaders communicate authentically, it encourages open dialogue and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

4. Empowering Others - When leaders model promise-keeping behaviour, it sets a powerful example. Team members learn to make and uphold their commitments, sparking a ripple effect throughout the organization. This empowerment nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to a more engaged workforce.

5. Recovery and Learning - Let’s face it: promises aren’t always kept. When this happens, promise-driven leaders don’t shy away from the breakdown. Instead, they address it head-on, communicating transparently about what went wrong and working diligently to restore trust. This approach transforms setbacks into learning opportunities, reinforcing the idea that accountability is a journey, not a destination.

A Shift from Traditional Leadership Styles - Promise-driven leadership diverges from traditional models that often prioritise vision or charisma. Instead, it emphasises the importance of practical, day-to-day reliability. This focus on consistency can

enhance organisational effectiveness over time, ensuring that teams are not just inspired, but also equipped to deliver results.

The Thinkers Behind the Concept - While promise-driven leadership doesn’t have a singular founding figure, several influential thinkers have shaped its framework:

Fernando Flores, a Chilean philosopher and entrepreneur, is a key figure in promise-based management. His theories highlight the significance of commitments in organisational functioning.

Terry Winograd, who collaborated with Flores, explored how communication shapes organisational actions, laying groundwork for understanding organisations as networks of commitments.

Rafael Echeverría, further developed these ideas, emphasising how language and commitments create reality within organisations.

Donald Sull and Charles Spinosa, examined how effective execution in business strategy hinges on networks of reliable commitments.

Your Next Step in Leadership Evolution - Are you ready to explore how promise-driven leadership can transform your organisation?

Whether you’re interested in diving deeper into a specific theorist’s work or looking for practical applications of this philosophy, the journey towards a promise-driven approach can lead to greater trust, accountability, and ultimately, success. In a world where commitments are often fleeting, promise-driven leadership offers a refreshing, structured way to build lasting relationships and drive meaningful change.

Speak again soon, much love.

Sylv x