DEFINITION

Being reliable is a highly valued trait that is essential in building trust and maintaining relationships. In simple terms, being reliable means being trustworthy, dependable, and consistent in your actions and behaviors. When someone is reliable, they can be counted on to follow through on their commitments and promises, showing that they are responsible and can be trusted to deliver on their word.

RELEVANCE

The social implications of being reliable are significant, as it plays a crucial role in how others perceive and interact with you. People are more likely to trust and respect those who are reliable, as they know that they can depend on them to be there when needed. In both personal and professional relationships, reliability is key to building strong connections and fostering positive interactions. When someone consistently shows up on time, meets deadlines, and keeps their promises, they are seen as reliable and are more likely to be sought after as a friend, partner, or colleague.

In the workplace, being reliable is crucial for success. Employers value employees who can be counted on to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work consistently. Reliable employees are more likely to be considered for promotions and leadership positions, as they are seen as trustworthy and dependable team members. On the other hand, those who are unreliable may struggle to advance in their careers, as their lack of dependability can lead to missed opportunities and strained relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

HOW TO BE

There are several key principles to keep in mind when striving to be a reliable person:

1. Keep your word: One of the most important aspects of being reliable is following through on your commitments and promises. If you say you will do something, make sure you do it. This shows others that they can trust you to do what you say you will do.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is key to being reliable. Make an effort to be consistent in your actions and behaviors, whether it’s showing up on time, meeting deadlines, or following through on tasks. Consistency builds trust and reliability in the eyes of others.
3. Communicate effectively: Communication is essential in maintaining reliability. If you foresee any challenges or obstacles that may prevent you from fulfilling a commitment, it is important to communicate this to the relevant parties in advance. Open and honest communication shows that you are proactive and committed to fulfilling your obligations.
4. Prioritize time management: Effective time management is essential for being reliable. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and managing your time efficiently, you can ensure that you meet deadlines and deliver on your commitments in a timely manner.
5. Be accountable: Take ownership of your actions and behaviors. If you make a mistake or fall short of expectations, be accountable and take steps to rectify the situation. Owning up to your mistakes shows integrity and reliability.

THOUGHTS

Being reliable versus being trustworthy. Quite often, values are super close and hard to differentiate. If you come across that problem whilst defining your values, don’t worry. You can simply cluster values which are close and choose the one which resonates the most to you.

I would differentiate trustworthy and reliable in this way:

• Trustworthy refers to a status of being worthy of the trust of someone else or myself. It’s an attribute towards a person which needs consistent behaviour to be deserved.
• Reliable on the other hand refers to an act or a series of acts. If someone can continuously rely on me, I can be referred to as a trustworthy person. However, in my consistent acts, I can be relied on by others and myself.