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Reliability
Table of Contents
Reliability is closing loops on time often enough that people stop asking twice.
Key Concept
- Small reliability compounds - the person who is five minutes early every time gets trusted with the big thing eventually.
- Reliability is doing what you said, when you said, often enough that others can plan around you.
- People stop chasing updates when you close loops without reminders.
Level 1 - Recognize
Reliability is closing small loops on time often enough that people stop asking twice.
Level 2 - Explain
The person who is five minutes early every time earns trust for the big assignment - repeated proof beats one heroic save.
Level 3 - Use
Send the Friday update Thursday without being chased - that is reliability in a real client relationship.
Level 4 - Connect
Because trust accrues from repeated proof, one missed loop after a long streak weighs heavier than the first miss.
Level 5 - Create
Install backup alarms and default openers so reliability runs without willpower - others plan around you because the loop closes itself.
Examples
- The backup alarm texts if the freezer warms - glad I do not discover thawed meat at breakfast.
- Same opener on the gate every morning - neighbors trust it without calling to check.
Note Relationships
| Relationship | Wikilink | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| contradicts | Minimum Viable Product | when waiting for perfect reliability blocks shipping something useful now |
| extends | Finish Strong | Reliable people finish, not only start |
| extends | Let Your Yes Be Yes | Gospel source for plain commitments |
| extends | Plain Commitments at Work | Yes means yes - reliability in Slack-sized promises |
