Keep your word to the person with the least power in the room. That’s the real test of character.

Promises to people who can do something for you tend to keep themselves. The ones that reveal anything are the promises where breaking them carries no consequence, because nothing but your own standard holds them in place. That is the moment you find out what your word is worth. Others are watching too, since any of them is one bad week away from being the person nobody has to keep a promise to.

Find the smallest promise you have made to whoever is easiest to disappoint, and keep it this week. Tell them in advance if you cannot. Treat it as binding as a promise to somebody important.