Consistency, ESD

It’s important to be consistent in life whether it’s in your personal life, with your kids and spouse, or at work with colleagues and fellow employees. Part of the reason it’s important is the “shadow” we all cast. This is a metaphorical shadow of course, and it’s there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another reason it’s important to be consistent is that it helps us develop habits. And good habits drive behavior, and the right behavior builds strong character.

Simon Sinek discusses consistency in his book, Start with WHY with respect to the outer level of the Golden Circle metaphor referred to as the WHAT level (compared to the two inner circles WHY and HOW). The WHAT in his analogy represents the “product” you create at work or the outcome of your efforts if you’re in the service industry. It’s the results which ultimately speak to your WHY he says. His point is that if WHAT you’re producing isn’t consistent, people aren’t going to be able to follow your lead or become comfortable with doing business with you or being friends with you or relying on you or trusting you. Authenticity is developed through consistency as well, and you can clearly see why.

For instance, let’s say you’re an everyday worker at a company working on a team for a supervisor. Others begin to rely on you and count on your behavior whether it’s on a manufacturing line or a sacker at a grocery store or a staff attorney for a law firm. How you show up matters and how you show up every day is even more important. Are you erratic in your behavior? Do you treat people arbitrarily? Do you provide one level of quality product for some people but another level of product for others? Do you hustle when the boss is only watching or do you hustle all of the time? Do you tell the truth when it serves you mostly or even when you may not benefit? Your responses to these questions tell you where on the spectrum you are with consistency. Ideally, you want to land towards the higher consistency end of the spectrum.

By maintaining a strong, focused attitude checking your consistency daily, you will begin to develop a reputation – a good one instead of a questionable one. This consistency supports a culture of authenticity and strengthens relationships by casting the right kind of shadow every single day.

If you’d like to learn more about ways to incorporate this advice and many other growth and development coaching tips into your work-a-day world, please fill out the contact form and let’s connect. Thanks for stopping by!