predictability
[pri-dik-tuh-bil-i-tee]
1. consistent repetition of a state, course of action, behavior, or the like, making it possible to know in advance what to expect.
2. the quality of being regarded as likely to happen, as behavior or an event.
Professionals love meetings that happen on the agreed-upon time. Homeowners love plumbers who show up on time. Business owners love employees who arrive on time, day after day. People like chain restaurants because the quality of food is consistent. True friends are people whose behavior is predictable – they’ll listen to us, support, talk to us when we need it. Children run to parents when they are upset or hungry because they know they’ll get what they need.
The common theme between all of those examples is predictability.
Predictability is everywhere when you look around, and it’s the glue for many kinds of relationships. It’s why Starbucks is such an incredible success and why people choose one store over another. It’s why you have a regular grocery store, favorite restaurant or favorite bar – the experience is predictable.
But how does it feel when you got to a familiar restaurant and the food isn’t as good as usual? All of a sudden your idea of the restaurant’s predictability is questioned.
We need predictability to develop trust.
trust
[truhst]
1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2. confident expectation of something; hope.
3.confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit:
to sell merchandise on trust.
4.a person on whom or thing on which one relies.
When we trust a person or a business, we have the confidence that they are who they say they are. We have the confidence that they will do what they say. They are predictable, in the best way possible.
The development of trust is part of being human.
Look at the stages psychosocial development, which are 8 stages spanning birth trhough death. The first stage is Infancy, from birth through 2 years, is about Trust vs Mistrust:
The infant depends on the parents, especially the mother, for sustenance and comfort. The child’s relative understanding of world and society come from the parents and their interaction with the child. If the parents expose the child to warmth, regularity, and dependable affection, the infant’s view of the world will be one of trust. Should the parents fail to provide a secure environment and to meet the child’s basic needs; a sense of mistrust will result.
The need for trust is innate, making it incredibly powerful.
For anyone, whether it be in their personal or professional lives, creating and maintaining trust is essential to success. Deliver regularly and deliver on-time. Whether it’s a product, a service, advice, support, a smile – or love.
