Free resource
Build trust through
better commitments
Two practical checklists — one for the task assigner, one for the task assignee — to help your team communicate clearly and follow through with confidence.
Concept by Bob Dunham · Institute for Generative Leadership
Responsibility
A commitment to yourself
Responsibility is internal — it's your personal ownership of the work and your intention to see it through.
Accountability
A commitment to each other
Accountability is relational — it's the question that follows: "Did you deliver on your commitment?"
The checklist
It takes two to make a commitment work
Check off the behaviours as you go. Both sides matter equally — trust is built when each person shows up for their role.
Role 01
The task assigner
Progress0 / 8
Role 02
The task assignee
Progress0 / 8
When things change
4 ways to communicate once a commitment is made
Path 01
All on track ✓
"Great news — we're on track. I'll let you know if anything changes."
Path 02
Heads up — we've got it
"We're facing a setback. I wanted you to know so it doesn't catch you off guard. We'll bounce back from this."
Path 03
We need support
"We're facing a setback beyond what we can handle alone. We need additional time / resources / support."
Path 04
We need to renegotiate
"Despite our best efforts, we can't maintain the original commitment. We need to renegotiate."
Take it with you
Download the checklist
Save a print-ready PDF to share with your team, use in onboarding, or bring to your next workshop.