WEEKLY WISDOM -CONSISTENCY

Consistency: the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in a similar way.

We are a people of rhythms and routines regarding the simple daily activities in life. Think about what we do from sunup to sundown. We shower or bathe daily (most of us do, LOL). The way we comb our hair, brush our teeth, put on lotion, put on our clothes, our breakfast routine, our drive to work or if we work from home routine, and how we prepare ourselves for bed are all routines. I am sure some other patterns and routines just come naturally.

Consider your leadership and the rhythms and routines you've developed. What if we could elevate these patterns to a new level in your leadership style? This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for growth and development.

Think about this definition of consistency. It is the achievement of a level of performance that does not vary significantly in quality over time. That achievement level speaks to your work quality and engagement over time. Here are some examples of leadership consistency: One-on-One meetings, team meetings with an agenda in advance, feedback to your direct reports, strategic planning sessions, connecting with your clients just to connect, journaling your leadership lessons, and so on. Here's the challenge! Can you develop compelling leadership rhythms and high-quality routines that remain consistent over time?

Why might you struggle with consistency? One of the reasons is that some of those activities may be seen as mundane or a source of inconvenience or irritation because you see them through your lens. What if you looked at these tasks through the lens of those you serve and how important it is for them? This perspective then gives those tasks a higher purpose, making consistency easier. Another reason you may struggle with consistency is that you may not be disciplined and organized. You could be operating by the notion that you must deal with whatever comes up instead of identifying what is a priority and preparing for it. When you operate like this, it makes everything urgent and causes stress and anxiety.

Consistency comes by being intentional in discipline and preparation. It's inevitable that if you take just a few minutes to prepare for the next day and remain disciplined to accomplish those tasks, your consistency will become satisfying and fulfilling. Your consistency will produce more efficiency and productivity in your leadership. Here's a scripture that you can always depend on for consistency- 1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Here's a deeper perspective of consistency. Your values, actions, language, and beliefs. Do you show up with a level of consistency when you are engaging with your direct reports, boss, clients, family, and colleagues? Are you the same person and speak the same language no matter the environment or circle you find yourself in?

I love this scripture from Paul in Ephesians. 4:1 So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation.

So, let's take it to the next level. Be prepared, be intentional, be disciplined, and most importantly, be a servant to others. Remember, consistency is the foundation for trust, and serving others is the key to building that trust.

Exercise Your Power this week-

1.       Identify the patterns and routines you have established in your leadership that are effective.

2.       Identify the areas where you struggle with consistency and strategize about the way you can improve in these areas.

3.       Take 10 minutes each evening to prepare for your next day. Watch your consistency soar.