REPORT: June 22 2008 on COMMITMENT

These are NOTES and FEEDBACK from the TAI meeting on COMMITMENT.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. Robert McCloskey, State Department spokesman (attributed)

This quotation is a reminder to us that we need to constantly check to make sure that what we think the other person meant, is actually what they DID mean - and nowhere is this more important than in the area of commitment.

These are the questions /topics we discussed and a selection of the responses given by those present.

1. What is COMMITMENT?

Adherence to a cause
Doing what you say you will do
Sticking to your guns
Decision
Truth
Willingness to compromise/work to achieve a desired result

2. What is needed for commitment to exist

Trust
Loyal
Unconditional regard
wish for something
staying with it good or bad

3. What kind of a transaction is a commitment?

Working togethere
Sticking to a decision
Adult to Adult
More than one element involved - (one person plus goal or more than one person)

4. Examples of commitment

Football watching
Persistence against opposition
Truth
Faith
Long life study
focusing

5. Possible levels of commitment

Half-hearted
full
ranges from sincere to selfish
depends on the individual and full commitment is the best

6. One-sided commitment

Heroic
True
Very difficult
Backing off
Inequality

7. Life-long commitment?

Difficult
Truth
Way of life
Lack of growth? Permanent re-affirmation?
Difficult - needs constant communication for it to succeed

8. Why commitments disintegrate?

Miscommunication
changes in committed parties
changed circumstances
Laziness
give up to easily

9. Change as part of ongoing commitment

Disturbance
Acceptance of other's differences
change is necessary sometimes, depending on present circumstances
Acceptance
Flexibility

10. Adjustment to/termination of commitment (one-sided, two-sided)

Keeping your work
Flexibility
completion of contract
Ego state-change
truthfulness in expressing your opinions if you feel dissatisfied
Go with the flow

Commitment quotes

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” Author Unknown

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” Peter F. Drucker quotes (American Educator and Writer, b.1909)

”Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins quotes (American Novelist. b.1936)

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Mario Andretti quotes (Italian born American Race driver. b.1940

“Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.” James Womack quotes

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. Zig Ziglar quotes (American motivational Speaker and Author.

“An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises. Mae West quotes (American Actress and sex symbol, 1892-1980)

“Commitment in the face of conflict produces character.”

“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi (American Football Coach, national symbol of single-minded determination to win.1913-1970)

When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”Author Unknown