Always Do What You Say You’re Going to Do

The date was June 14, 2014, and I was two months into my first “big girl record label” job. My boss came into my office to chitchat, as everyone often did (I’m really surprised that we got any work around that place). In the industry, he was (and still is) known as the “Retail King.” He had every SKU number memorized and could tell you how many units (albums) an artist sold at any given time. He started in his dad’s record store and worked his way up to Vice President of one of the top major labels in the world. 

As a teenager, I would go to Wal-Mart and flip over CDs to see who produced what record. Little did I know it was the “Retail King” who was responsible for getting physical and digital albums into the stores and on digital service platforms everywhere.

Not only was he my current boss, but he was also the person I reported to when I interned at that same label two years prior. We always had a tight bond, even during my intern days. He was an OG in the business, like an Uncle to the fresh-faced rookies in the game. He always made sure I knew the ropes before I went out and embarrassed myself, or him for that matter. After all, it was one of the “Big Three” labels, not to mention the Motown Brand.

I swiveled away from my iMac to look at him as he sat in the chair by my door. He started with small talk and then, as he often did, shared some advice. He spoke about how his journey in the music industry, from independent record store to major label executive, taught him many lessons. I told him to wait as I grabbed my phone to jot down his words in my notes app.

Here’s what he said:

“You’re still young and fresh in the industry. Be honest, don’t burn bridges, always do what you say you’re going to do. The industry is small. Everyone says they want to be in the music biz, but they don’t see the grunt work. Approach things diplomatically, put yourself in their shoes.”

I don’t remember saying much in response, but I had a hunch that what he was sharing was solid advice.

It took over a decade before I realized that much of what he said was not only applicable to industry connections but also to the relationship I had with myself. Unc wanted me to understand the power of integrity, sympathy, and effort—in word and in deed.

I didn’t realize how many opportunities I would face to cut corners—even now. I’ve done my best to uphold that standard since he reinforced it. To be honest, I think that’s what he hoped would happen when he sat in my office that day, and to anyone I decided to share it with. It doesn’t mean we get it right all the time or that we live rigid lives. But it does mean that you can trust yourself, and others can trust you. And that is the foundation of any relationship.

I hope you reflect on how integrity, sympathy, and effort have led to fruitfulness in your life. And if you’re just getting started in any area, don’t be afraid to take it one day at a time.