Adrian Volenik
Some people are simply more reliable than others. You can count on them to come through and do the work, or help you with something.
They offer a shoulder to cry on, are always on time, and pay attention to details.
But how do you recognize such a person, and more importantly, are you an extremely reliable person?
Let’s find out!
1) Saying “no” responsibly
Extremely reliable people are eager to help, but they also recognize their limits. They say “no” when they genuinely can’t commit to something, avoiding overcommitment and assuring their responsibilities remain reliable.
Do you estimate your capacity realistically and avoid taking on too many tasks at once?
By managing your workload effectively, do you maintain the ability to fulfill your commitments consistently?
For example, when your boss asks you to finish a job by tomorrow and it’s already 4 pm. An extremely reliable person wouldn’t jump on it and work all night to complete the job. No, that’s what a doormat would do.
A reliable and genuine person would say that they understand the urgency of this task. They’d also add that they’re enthusiastic about helping, but completing this task by tomorrow might seriously compromise the quality of work.
If that lands you in hot water with the boss, so be it. If they don’t know how to organize work better, it’s their fault anyway.
2) Helping without being asked
Helping without being asked is one of the traits that define solid and reliable people from the rest.
Most people turn their heads away when they see a person in need. They think it’s someone else’s problem, and they shouldn’t be the one dealing with it.
On the other side, a reliable person would reach out and lend a helping hand to a person in need or an animal in distress.
They consistently engage in random acts of kindness, whether helping a stranger, donating to a cause, or volunteering their time, spreading positivity in the world.
If you’re highly reliable, you proactively offer assistance when you see an opportunity to help someone else, proving your commitment to collective success and demonstrating consistency.
Let’s talk about this last part a little bit more.
3) You’re consistent
Your reliability stems from your unwavering consistency. Regardless of the circumstances, you consistently deliver what you promise. Others know they can rely on you to perform at a high level, which builds trust and confidence.
Does that describe you?
For example, you consistently make time for your friends, showing up for gatherings, celebrations, and even quiet moments. Your reliability ensures that your friends can count on your support and companionship.
And at work, your work always demonstrates painstaking attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect is thoroughly reviewed and accurate.
Plus, a dependable person is also good at the following:
4) You’re meeting deadlines
In the grand scheme of things, most deadlines seem minuscule and arbitrary just to keep us in line. However, in our day-to-day lives, they are very important.
If you’re an extremely reliable person, you consistently meet or exceed deadlines, ensuring that your contributions align with the overall timeline of assignments.
Your ability to deliver on time also helps keep everyone else on track.
I currently live in a country where most deadlines are optional.
And I’m not talking only about government services. I’m talking about private businesses and even everyday people that could care less about such things.
Of course, not everyone is like that, but there are plenty enough to make your life a living hell at times.
As does this next behavior (or lack of it).
5) You’re punctual
I’m someone who thinks punctuality is one of the most important personality traits and a sign of utmost respect toward others.
I don’t understand how some people don’t get this. Although the people of this country are fairly punctual, the country I lived in before this one saw some of the most tardy people on the planet.
An exceptionally reliable person understands the importance of valuing others’ time and the impact that being punctual has on productivity and relationships.
Your commitment to being on time shows respect for others and helps maintain a smooth flow of activities.
6) You’re an effective communicator
Clear and timely communication is also essential for reliability. Making sure that expectations are set, changes are voiced promptly, and progress updates are shared is vital.
This transparency minimizes confusion and keeps everyone on the same page. Not just at work but even more so in personal lives.
Reliable people take time to learn and practice communication if they don’t have it in them naturally.
7) You’re honest
You’re either honest or you’re not. There’s no gray zone. If you have to think about whether to tell the truth, you’re already being dishonest. It’s as simple as that.
But honesty extends beyond just telling the truth. It includes admitting when you’re unsure or when challenges arise.
Above all, you must be honest with yourself. By being sincere about your abilities and limitations, you set realistic expectations and show integrity.
If you aren’t cut out for something, maybe it’s time to call it quits. Move on to the next thing. Do what you’re best at.
8) You love problem-solving
Problem-solving is something I excel at. When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re facing problems left and right. There’s also no choice but to tackle them head-on.
The moment you start sweeping issues under the rug is the day you failed as a business owner.
Ultimately, challenges are opportunities to shine when you approach problems methodically, finding innovative solutions instead of getting bogged down by difficulties.
Every setback you face is a learning opportunity and a chance to get better next time.
I love DIY. I used to hate it, but now, I’ve embraced it. I love designing and assembling furniture. I love every part of the process, down to the smell of wood and the fresh paint.
But as every DIYer knows, issues are always going to come up. And it’s here that my problem-solving personality starts to shine.
I only wish I had more time for it.
9) You pay attention to details
Again, in the grand scheme of things, details mostly don’t matter. But they do matter to people who see and appreciate them.
An incredibly dedicated person has a meticulous approach to work and guarantees that they don’t overlook important aspects.
Be it helping others or creating physical products, their attention to detail ensures their contributions are high-quality and consistently reliable.
And this following behavior is how you stay reliable.
10) You’re open to feedback
Reliable people are open to feedback. Their humility and willingness to accept constructive criticism show their commitment to personal growth.
To become a better person, you need to recognize that improvement is a continuous process, and using feedback to refine your skills further is paramount.
11) You’re supportive of others
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Helping people is one thing, and supporting them is another. For example, instead of giving someone money, you offer guidance on budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering someone to manage their finances effectively and achieve long-term stability.
They might think you’re insufferable for doing that, but it’s for their own good, even though they don’t comprehend it.
Or, instead of offering short-term job opportunities, you provide vocational training and mentorship, helping people to acquire skills that lead to sustainable employment and career growth.
Above all, your reliability extends to being a dependable source of support for others. When you readily offer assistance, guidance, and encouragement, you’re promoting positive and stimulating conditions.
12) You’re the master of awkward silence
Almost no one likes awkward silence, right? Especially when they happen on first dates, interviews, and other important meetings.
But most reliable people are different. In moments of awkward silence, they effortlessly step in with witty anecdotes, puns, or quirky observations that break the ice and turn tense situations into comedic breaks.
It’s actually quite easy to do. You just need a swipe file of things to say on such occasions.
For example:
- I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, and I eat it.
- I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.
- I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down!
- I couldn’t figure out how lightning works. Then it struck me!
Final thoughts
Is it possible to go from unreliable to highly reliable and trustworthy? Definitely!
Simply start incorporating some of the tips above, and you’ll have a complete 180 shift in your mindset and the way people around you see and appreciate you.
