Be consistent – sometimes. Wait, what?

I had an interesting discussion with a client today around the value of being consistent as a leader.

Being consistent can be helpful in certain contexts. Unpredictability makes people hesitant and uncertain, and is definitely on the “bad leader” list of qualities! But consistency can also be unhelpful if taken to an extreme or applied rigidly without considering other factors.

Here's a couple of thoughts about where this advice can be both helpful and unhelpful …

Yay: Building Trust and Reliability

Consistency from you as a leader can help build trust and reliability among team members. When you consistently demonstrate fairness and integrity, and follow through on your commitments, it creates a sense of stability and predictability. Consistency can also foster a positive work environment where team members know what to expect and feel confident in your decisions.

Nay: Lack of Adaptability

While consistency can be valuable, circumstances change and different situations may require different approaches. Being overly consistent or rigid in your leadership style can hinder adaptability and responsiveness to different or changing needs or challenges, and can lead to very poor and inequitable results. Effective leaders understand when it's necessary to flex their strategies, make decisions based on new information, and adapt their approach to better serve their team and organisation.

Yay: Setting Clear Expectations

Consistency can be useful in setting clear expectations and standards for performance. When you consistently communicate your vision, goals, and expectations, it helps align the team and ensures everyone is working towards the same objectives. Consistency in feedback and recognition can also contribute to a fair and equitable work environment where the team understands how their performance is evaluated.

Nay: Stifling Creativity and Innovation

Over-emphasising consistency may stifle creativity and innovation within the team. If you focus too much on maintaining the status quo or following established processes, it can discourage team members from thinking outside the box or proposing new ideas. Effective leaders strike a balance between consistency and encouraging innovative thinking and challenging the status quo, creating an environment that fosters creativity, exploration, and continuous improvement.

What about you – where have you seen consistency work well … or not? What other yays or nays would you add?

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others,

Madeleine

PS If you’d like me to work with you as you navigate challenging dynamics at work, let me know and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

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