The Value of Consistency

“Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.” ?—?Epictetus, Stoic philosopher

Consistency is something I look for in athletes and food. I want the quarterback to always bring his "A game" each time he steps on the field. I want the pitcher to throw more strikes than balls and keep the ball in park. I want our food to be the same temperature and taste and the service to keep our glass filled. I want all of this to be consistent, each time and every time I watch a game or go out to eat. If the athlete plays a bad game I go home disappointed my team didn't win. If the food or service is bad, I go home disappointed in the experience I just paid for and question whether I want to go back. I value consistency and I think I am like most people.

I was recently talking to a friend who worked in an environment that exemplified inconsistent leadership. The owner's goals would vary multiple times during a year making it difficult for my friend to plan or give direction to his staff. His pay plan once changed 3 times in one year with different goals that were not congruent making it impossible to achieve the goal or receive a bonus. He worked in this environment for years learning to manage his frustration and deal with the frustration of his employees and vendors until he finally had enough and quit. He took a pay cut and accepted a longer commute and says he didn't know he could enjoy work so much. He now is in an environment where the leadership is consistent in their goals and they stay true to their word in all they do. It has raised his interest, energy and joy in his work relationships and environment.

Inconsistent leadership is often a sign of fear or shortsightedness. The fearful leader is not sure of himself or his decisions or the people around him. He changes his mind often because he is not operating from a place of confidence. He is second guessing his decisions (or the decisions of the people around him) and making changes or waffling on direction to the detriment of all around him. The shortsighted leader goes different directions quickly because he is reactive and has not planned the course of action. He keeps people guessing what they will do next, or worse, he leads people who are uninterested or not engaged because they are weary of all the changes.

Consistent leaders plan. They are proactive and set things in motion to reach a stated goal or purpose.

Consistent leaders stick to their word. They do what they say they will do. They act the way they say will act. They inspire confidence because they can be trusted.

Consistent leaders build strong teams. Engaged, interested, inspired people will run through walls for you. They get the job done. They work hard. They work smart. They learn. They adapt. They are willing to try new things. They want to grow. The accept change with hope instead of fear. They know they are supported.

Consistent leaders still make mistakes. Consistency doesn't mean perfection. It's about staying true to your word. It's about admitting mistakes and moving forward. It's creating an environment where others know they are safe to try and fail or to mess up and get back up. It's honesty when hiding is easier.

Be a credible leader by being a consistent leader. No one expects perfection but they respond to consistency. No one has their "A game" everyday but effort and resilience are rewarded and respected. Plans change due to many factors but not because of fear or shortsightedness and, when the plan does change, it's well communicated as to why and what the direction is now. All of these efforts at consistency build the trust and loyalty you hope for, they overcome the rough times and they lead to great things. Be consistent.

Jeff Jones is an aspiring peacemaker and the study of leadership in an effort to be a better leader. He has a MA in Conflict Resolution and a BBA in Accounting and a diverse professional background that gives him a practical understanding of conflict and peace in organizations and how it affects both morale and financial issues. Jeff writes and speaks on several topics providing tools to create successful organizations and individuals.  Follow Jeff on Twitter @credibleleader. You can also reach him at jjones.tclp@gmail.com.

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