The difference between Reliable and Dependable.

Recently we were approached to evaluate the performance of a newly contracted close protection team that had messed up significantly in a number of ways and on a few occasions despite their having received the very best of training from a reputable training organisation.

It is never our purview to denigrate an individual or a group. Instead we offer up some constructive criticism and in this case it is the understanding of the difference between Reliable and Dependable.

Dependable and reliable are words to describe character traits that are complimentary.  

Dependable people can be relied on and reliable people can be depended on.  At first glance there seems to be no obvious difference between the two words other than their spelling.  

The dictionary refers to dependable as a synonym of reliable and reliable as a synonym for dependable.  

Clearly, they are close in meaning, yet there does appear to be a subtle difference in general usage and that is a preference given to dependable being an adjective more frequently used to describe people and relationships.  

Reliable on the other hand generally fits better with machinery, mechanical or engineering aspects of life when a reliable possession is sought after.  There is no marked difference between these two adjectives, but in their usage a slight difference is certainly apparent. 

What is a Reliable?

The adjective reliable is indictive of competent behaviour and consistent work. Ours is a service industry and just like the parts of a machine are classified as reliable when they work consistently and can be relied on to give good performance.

Machines, it is said, can do things cheaper and better…for example:

‘ATM machines are better than tellers if you want a simple transaction. They are faster, they’re less trouble.  They’re more reliable,’ says Geoff Hinton, a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist.  Geoff Hinton works for Google Brain and lectures at the University of Toronto.

Reliable machines can be counted on to do their work. Mechanical strength and the longevity associated with something that is built to last is considered reliable.  

Reliable is used to describe:

• Sound well-made machinery (in this case service). 

The components of the reliable machine were supplied by a company with a guaranteed reputation.

• The word of a wise person as a witness. 

The reliable witness testified at the trial and his evidence was the deciding factor in convicting the criminal.

• The work of a dedicated member of a team or group.

The team relied on the work of their exceptional medical staff and highly qualified doctors who were reliable and dedicated.

• The source of a reference in research.

Teachers and Instructors count on the reliable sources of information to authenticate their lectures and dissertations.

In this context, it is your ability to do the job that is expected of you whether as a Security Guard, Close Protection Operative or First Responder.

So long as you have received competent training in your speciality, then in all probability you would be considered reliable just as a machine would be when it works consistently and can be relied on to give good performance.

What is Dependable?

The adjective dependable is used to describe items that are trustworthy and reliable.  These are character traits or attributes marking the value of an item or of the person who has earned the title of dependable.  

Not to be confused with heredity traits which also play a major role in our lives and shapes our actions and personalities, such as inherited traits passed through the genes, such as hair colour, features, or skin tones, an acquired trait is something that can be learned and is taught to you by your significant others.

A dependable person is someone who gives reliable service and is loyal and stable.  The dependable person is someone you can count on in the workplace, at home, or even in the greater management field of governance and politics.  

There are many names in history that stand out and resonate with dependability.  

Abraham Lincoln was dependable, and his quotes still motivate today.  

For example: ‘Be sure you put your feet in the right place and then stand firm.’ are words from a dependable leader and words applicable in society today.

The political leadership of Winston Churchill during the second World War enabled the country to depend on his leadership and survive the terrors of a war.

‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.’

These are some of the words from Winston Churchill that people can depend on because as a leader he was trustworthy and had earned respect.  These words are relatable even today and recognized as the wise words of a dependable leader.

The attribute of reliability is a part of being dependable, but the latter appears to be a deeper character trait.  Dependable people can be trusted to give their everything to their work and families, their sports team or community.  

Dependable, although more people orientated, will describe machinery with the parts noted and counted as reliable while the machine is dependable. 

Dependable is used to describe

• People who have trustworthy characteristics and can be called on to help.

The head of department in the field of human resources is a dependable member of the organization and relied on for his dedicated service.

• A machine with reliable parts making it a sound machine giving good dependable service.

The latest computerized earthmoving equipment depends on all its reliable part function simultaneously to get the job done effectively.

• A politician or world leader who takes the country forward and leads by example is dependable.  The community depends on this person’s judgement and inspiration.

The leadership qualities and the strength of character of the politician made him or her a dependable member of the current political establishment.

Now that we have cleared that up, let me just emphasise that in our industry specific employees are relied on to deliver the expertise they have brought to the workplace.  

There may be different skills to rely on depending on the nature of the work environment.  

A dependable person in the workplace can be trusted to oversee work being done and be depended on to get work completed.  A dependable person will always deliver and find a way to make sure the other employees complete their tasks.

Communities need reliable and dependable people to ensure the greater good of the community is prioritized.  A dependable person is available at any time to be of assistance and maintain the standards set by the community.

The community values the dependable person for their attention to duty and vigilance.  The reliable person may be relied on for certain skills they have and to use those skills at that time, but the dependable person takes their responsibility deeper and has a greater concern for the overall good of the community.