- When individuals make promises to others that they do not fulfill or fulfill improperly, it can result in tension and harm. Broken promises erode trust and result in feelings of disappointment, betrayal anger and resentment which can strain
- relationships and hinder effective collaboration.
Conflicting Promises:
- Conflict arises when people are expected to fulfill multiple promises simultaneously, which can create pressure and lead to difficult decisions. The inability to fulfill all promises may result in tension with involved parties and a sense of inadequacy within the individual.
Unrealistic Promises:
- Making unrealistic promises that are beyond one's ability or control creates a gap between expectations and reality. When individuals fail to meet these expectations, it generates tension as they struggle to fulfill unrealistic commitments and face potential consequences.
Overextending Oneself:
- Promising more than one can realistically handle leads to overextending oneself. This puts a strain on resources, time, and energy, resulting in tension and potential burnout. The resulting inability to deliver undermines credibility and trust.
Lack of Clarity:
- Promises may lack clarity, leading to misunderstandings or differing interpretations among parties involved. This can create tension and disputes when expectations fail to align, leaving room for blame and defensiveness.
Untimely Promises:
- Making promises without considering proper timing can lead to missed deadlines or conflicts with other priorities. Untimely promises often create pressure, stress, and tension as individuals rush to fulfill commitments within restricted time frames.
Broken Trust:
- When promises are consistently broken, trust is compromised. This tension manifests within individuals who become skeptical of future commitments and hesitant to rely on others, causing further strain on relationships and collaboration.
Unclear Expectations:
- Promises might not outline specific expectations, leading to confusion and misalignment. This generates tension when different individuals have varying understanding of what the promise entails and how it should be fulfilled.
Unforeseen Circumstances:
- Unexpected challenges and obstacles may arise, making it impossible to keep a promise. Such situations create tension between the parties involved as promises go unfulfilled despite genuine intentions.
High Stakes Involvement:
- When significant consequences or rewards are tied to a promise, the tension amplifies. High stakes elevate the importance of fulfilling the commitment, intensifying the pressure and potential repercussions of failure.