Ability vs Reliability

Though parts of these words sound the same, there is a large difference between these two. One speaks to a person’s capability and capacity to perform, the other has to do with how one handles pressure and even failure.

I believe that reliability is far more important than someone’s ability. Plenty of failures have the first, but lack the second.

Ability will draw attention. You can find ability everywhere.

Look anywhere in sports and you see it.

Good receivers in football are everwhere. But there isn’t an Edelman everywhere.

I’m not a football follower, so when I saw him playing on Sunday, I was shocked when I saw his size. His head was at shoulder level for most of the other players.

Sort of reminded me of a dwarf from Lord of the Rings in a football uniform.

I would probably just think of him as a construction worker if I saw him at Coastal Coffee Roasters on a weekday.

But he became Superbowl MVP. And likely to the Hall of Fame. Because of his reliability.

I saw it time and again on Sunday. Brady gave the ball to Edelman. He came through.

My brother showed me the slow motion replay of the ‘Edelman Catch’.

Running the ball, receiving, blocking, he just gets it done.

When I think of my closest friends, it’s not because of any ability they have. It’s because I know I can rely on them. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel isn’t nearly as valuable in employees as being able to rely on them to get things done, to figure things out.

If I can’t rely on you, it does. not. matter. what your skills are.

We all have that friend who knows how to do everything, but you know that you can’t rely on them to actually get anything done.

I know plenty of experts who I wouldn’t call for help. Because I know they won’t actually be there when it matters.

And I know a few who I call on when the chips are down.

To be successful, you have to have reliability. To be Superbowl successful, you have to have an entire team of reliability. That’s what has gotten the Patriots six rings (so far). They are reliable.

Ability is easy to notice. But ability is everywhere. What I’m looking for and what I’m impressed by is reliability.

Which one is your goal? To be noticed…or for people to be impressed?