Baseline reliability
Track actual start/availability, commitments, delivered work and proactive updates for a week without turning the log into a self-worth score. The purpose is to see the gap between best-day performance and the standard others can reliably plan around.
Three-line meeting close
End a meeting by naming what was decided, who owns what, and by when. If nothing was decided, record that instead of creating false closure.
Handoff test
A good handoff states what the work is, current status, next step, owner, where materials live, risks and latest evidence. The test is whether another responsible person can continue without reconstructing everything from memory.
Closed-loop follow-up
Replace vague 'soon' with a date. When the date passes, communicate proactively, record why, set a new date or close the loop. Reliability includes making missed commitments visible rather than waiting to be chased.
Professional evidence ≠ credential
A week of reliable practice, a good handoff, client feedback or a completed project can be real evidence of behavior/work. It does not create certification, regulated qualification, title, promotion, salary increase or organizational authority.
Reflection
Questions to sit with
- Which practice area creates the most avoidable trust loss?
- What evidence would show a small improvement this week?
- Am I claiming a role or credential stronger than the evidence?