I run a busy printshop. So often we get calls from customers needing rush projects by a certain deadline. Often the customer or potential customer might say, “If you can’t meet the deadline just let me know now, because it’s very important and I need to know if you can or can’t meet it.” When it’s so important to the customer, to have the project on time, and not a minute late, it’s an opportunity for you to take personal responsibility, even if it’s your team and not you doing the actual work.
Here’s how a manager might reply. “My team is great and they will complete your project on time.” While that sounds pretty good, this sounds better. “I’ll personally make sure that my team completes your project on time.” When adding the words “I’ll personally make sure” to the sentence, you’ve taken responsibility and provided a commitment that the customer can feel better about in their decision making process.