My father is a career-long educational leader. He's also been a successful high school coach for many of the years that he has been in education. For over 40 years he has worked hard for the benefit of thousands of faculty members, students, and parents. He has quotes that he says all the time. The quotes have a way of clinging to your ear drums like barnacles on a boat. Growing up in his home, I was the unwilling listener to these quotes countless times. The annoying thing about them is they jump into your mind exactly when you do not want them to. Usually, it is exactly when you need to hear them.
'Consistency is the key...' This was one of those quotes that I would endure, and it was used mostly when I was complaining about some mundane task that had to be completed again (insert teenage eye roll here).
Because some part of me will always be his teenage son and another part of me aspires to be a inspirational leader, I find this quote to be an annoyingly valuable idea that a leader can implement. Here are a few ways that a leader can make 'consistency the key'...
Consistently communicate - The leader's mindset on consistent communication is very important. The leader should not communicate because they believe they are important or have important things to say. Leaders should communicate because they believe that who their people are and what they are doing is important. People need to hear from the leader if the leader wants people to trust them. This becomes uniquely true during crisis. We now live in the information age which means that people can access any information any time and from any place. Leaders that consistently communicate are able to make sure that their people know what information to heed to and what information they can discard.
Consistent in doing what you said you would do - Consistent communication lays the foundation for a trusting relationship. Following through on what you said you would do ensures that the foundation that has been laid does not crumble. I have found that one of the most important versions of this concept is to be transparent with people what I cannot do. It helps them to know that I am being honest with them and it clears the path for me to focus on using my position, access, and authority to do things for them that would be much more difficult for them to do. Now all I have to do is follow through.
Consistent in reminding people about the purpose - One of the pleasures of leadership is inspiring people to do their absolute best. A sure way to help people produce their best effort is to remind them why they are doing what they are doing. People want to know that they matter and they want to know that what they are doing matters. A leader that consistently reminds people about the purpose of their roles and tasks will create teams that maximize all that they are and all that they have to fulfill that purpose.
Consistently energized about the day-to-day - Leaders understand that everything begins with them, but that it is never about them. Leaders are the weather. Inconsistent weather is annoying and frustrating. Bad weather is depressing. Walking outside into sunny, 75 degree weather brings life to a weary soul. You look forward to walking outside when the weather is good. This is the impact that a leader has on their people when they are consistently energized about the day-to-day. People enjoy being around them. They have their spirits lifted. Leaders should Smile. All the time. Give people high fives, fist bumps, and handshakes. Every day. Laugh with them. Often. Leaders should be a consistent source of energy for their people.
I don't even want to type this last part, but my dad was right (through clenched teeth!). Consistency is the key. Now all you have to do is do it all the time.
Keep on, keepin’ on, friends!
*Bonus content: Here are some resources to go deeper on this topic: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, Great at Work by Morten Hansen, How to Lead in a World of Distraction by Clay Scroggins
‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read about it more here.
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