What Makes a Professional Reliable (It's Not What You Think)
When people talk about "reliable" professionals, they usually mean skilled ones. But skill and reliability aren't the same thing.
The Reliability Stack
True reliability has multiple layers:
1. Shows Up (Basic Reliability)
- Arrives when promised
- Responds to messages
- Follows through on commitments
Surprisingly, this basic layer is where many professionals fail. Skill doesn't matter if someone doesn't show up.
2. Delivers What Was Agreed (Competence)
- Has the skills to do the work
- Understands the requirements
- Produces acceptable quality
This is what most people focus on. It matters, but it's not sufficient.
3. Communicates Proactively (Professionalism)
- Alerts you to problems early
- Sets realistic expectations
- Keeps you informed without being asked
Proactive communication is rare and valuable. It's often a better predictor of good outcomes than raw skill.
4. Handles Problems Well (Maturity)
- Takes responsibility for mistakes
- Proposes solutions, not excuses
- Maintains composure under pressure
Problems happen in every project. How someone handles them matters more than whether problems occur.
Screening for Reliability
During evaluation, ask questions that probe these layers:
- "Tell me about a project that didn't go as planned. What happened?"
- "How do you typically communicate progress to clients?"
- "What's your process when you run into unexpected issues?"
The answers reveal more about reliability than portfolios or reviews.
FixOrFlex Services screens for reliability across these dimensions—not just skills and experience.