Consistency counts

One of the traits I think is important in a leader is consistency. It’s not always easy to assess in job candidates, but it certainly shows itself (or not) over time. Webster’s defines consistency this way: “steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.”

A consistent leader has a steadfast adherence to the same principles each and every day. It doesn’t matter the situation in which he finds himself, the response will be guided by a core set of values that is predictable by the people who follow him. Nor does it matter who his followers are — he’s the same to all audiences. There’s an authenticity to a consistent leader that others can see and feel.

Trust is the conviction that the leader means what he says . . . a leader’s actions and a leader’s professed beliefs must be congruent, or at least compatible. Effective leadership — and again this is very old wisdom — is not based on being clever; it is based primarily on being consistent. — Peter Drucker

For my purposes, I’m assuming a positive set of principles are guiding the leader. But even if the response the situation elicits isn’t great, the consistency of it can help the people around him anticipate and adjust accordingly. So, I guess I’m saying even consistently bad is better than inconsistent leadership.

An inconsistent leader creates confusion, mistrust, and, ultimately, a lack of respect from those who are supposed to follow him. When people don’t know what to expect from a leader, they become afraid to act because they can’t predict the response they will get. When they have an inconsistent leader, people move from idea to idea and project to project without any purpose. And when it comes time to figure out what’s working, it’s nearly impossible because they’ve jumped around so much it’s difficult to determine what is responsible for the successes and failures.

A well-established, consistent leader can even use an occasional (very occasional) exception to that consistency to drive home a point. When I was coaching high school football, I tended to be very passionate but positive with the boys. I drove them hard, but was more apt to provide a pat on the back than a butt chewing.

But, I can recall a game in which we were being beaten, badly, by a superior team. It was late in the game, which was clearly over, and my boys had given up. I called time out and ran onto the field. I’m pretty sure they were expecting a little pep talk encouraging them to hang in there and fight the good fight. Instead, they received the most intense tongue lashing I had ever handed out — even the referee, who was within earshot, hung onto my every word. My message was inconsistent with my previous behavior but it worked in that moment.

Of course, it was important that I went back to the team, recognized that my behavior was unusual and explained why I thought it had been necessary at that moment. In doing so, I reestablished my principles and sent the message that they could still trust me to be the person I had always been.

The bottom line is that leadership consistency is critical. Here’s why:

1. With consistency comes trust and trust is the foundation of any relationship. When a leader acts in a consistent matter, people come to understand how she will respond in difficult situations. The consistency of response builds trust and with trust comes the freedom for others to act. They aren’t frozen by fear of what might come if they do something and it doesn’t work — they’re free to act because they know how the leader will respond.

2. With consistency comes the ability to measure what works. A consistent leader sets a course and follows it. When it’s time to evaluate the results, the consistent behaviors allow for meaningful assessment. And when changes are necessary and made, the impact of those changes is more readily understandable, because of the consistency of behavior that proceeded the change.

3. With consistency comes momentum. When people trust their leader and feel free to act because of that trust a certain amount of momentum is built. The consistency of action provides clarity and direction for people. It also makes the measurement of results easier, which in turn allows for adjustments to be made with a knowledge of what actions have led to the results. The continuous improvement that results from this creates energy and momentum.

I happen to think that children are a tremendous gift bestowed on their parents. Even my kids, as frustrating as they can be, are great gifts. One of the basic tenets of parenting is consistency. For the same reasons that our children desire consistency and thrive under it, employees want it from their bosses. It’s a basic human need people have.

So I ask you today, are you a consistent leader? Do you adhere to a basic set of principles that helps build trust with your people? Does your team know how you’ll react in almost every situation regardless of whether they’ve seen you handle that sort of thing before, because they really know the person they’re following? If so, the chances you can build a successful team are greatly enhanced.