Reliability: The Invisible Skill That Saves Companies in Crisis

Maurizio Ridolfi
Jan 13
3 min read

📋Summary

Reliability is the behavioural competency that makes the difference between an ordinary employee and a cornerstone the entire organisation can depend on. In this article, you will discover why this quality becomes crucial during transitions, unexpected absences, or rapid growth periods.

Through concrete field examples, we will explore how to recognise and value this rare skill. You will also understand how a reliable consultant can transform a crisis into a strengthening opportunity for your company.

The story of an absence that could have derailed everything

It's 8:30 on a Monday morning. The phone rings in a Brussels SME director's office. His office manager has just been hospitalised for several months.

No one has been trained to take over. Supplier invoices are piling up, visitors don't know who to speak to, and senior management is expecting an urgent report for the board meeting.

I lived through this situation from the inside. Not as a spectator, but as the person called when everything seems to be falling apart.

What is reliability, really?

Reliability goes far beyond simple punctuality or meeting deadlines. It's the ability to be the stable anchor point when everything around is shaking. A reliable colleague is someone you can count on without needing to check, chase, or monitor.

In the HR world, trendy soft skills are often discussed. Yet reliability remains the most sought-after and hardest to assess during recruitment. Why? Because it only truly reveals itself under pressure.

The three pillars of professional reliability

Consistency in execution. A reliable professional delivers equal quality work, whether it's day one or day one hundred. During a mission in the financial sector, my performance was described as characterised by accuracy and consistent dependability. This wasn't a one-off achievement, but daily discipline.

Transparency in communication. Reliability also means speaking up about what's not working, flagging problems before they explode. In an organisation undergoing major transformation that I supported, it was precisely this fluid and transparent communication that helped rebuild trust between management and teams.

Commitment to the end. A reliable colleague never leaves a task unfinished. During a mission in business aviation, my commitment to delivering service excellence remained remarkable until the very last day. The notes and procedures I created are still used today to train new recruits.

Two consultants who represent the reliable transfer of responsibilities and operational continuity.

Why reliability becomes critical during crisis?

When a company goes through turbulence, whether reorganisation, sudden departure, or accelerated growth, there's no time for micro-management. It needs autonomous people who will honour their commitments without constant supervision.

I had the opportunity to work in a major business school during a period of significant transformation. My mission was to support staff through a tense context. What made the difference? My ability to provide a reassuring and structured framework, to be present in a predictable and consistent manner. The result: teams that could navigate this sensitive period as an opportunity for collective strengthening.

How to recognise a reliable profile?

The signs are unmistakable. A reliable professional anticipates needs before they're expressed. They document their processes so others can take over. They proactively communicate on task progress.

In the recruitment sector where I also worked, my managers highlighted my attention to detail and proactiveness as markers of this reliability. A reliable profile spots what can be improved and proposes solutions before being asked.

The hidden cost of unreliability

A company that cannot count on its employees pays an invisible but considerable price. Time spent checking, chasing, correcting. Energy devoted to managing avoidable surprises. The permanent stress of never knowing if things will get done.

Conversely, working with someone reliable frees up a precious resource: peace of mind. You

can focus on your core business while operations run smoothly in the background.

Turning crisis into opportunity

Next time an unexpected absence threatens your operational continuity, remember this situation can become a moment of clarity. It's the chance to document processes, strengthen team skills, and implement lasting solutions.

But for this, you need a partner you can count on. Someone who understands that reliability isn't just a word on a CV, but a daily practice demonstrated through action.

🚀 Need reliable support to navigate a critical period?

With over 20 years of hands-on experience and successful missions in demanding contexts, I step in quickly to ensure continuity of your administrative and HR operations. One single point of contact, flawless execution.

👉 Contact me for a no-obligation initial discussion: info@mr-consulting.be