When building your brand, team, company, and reputation, consistency is the key to your success. Without it, there is no foundation to build on. Changing your logo, message, or branding too often will confuse the customer and they will find another option. In addition an inconsistent behavior with your staff will sometimes result in them walking out the door and most likely working for one of your competitors.
Number 12 on ActionCOACH’s 14 Points of Culture is Consistency: “I am consistent in my actions so my clients and teammates can feel comfortable in dealing with me at all times. I am disciplined in my work so my results, growth and success are consistent.”
Being consistent means following systems, routines and predictable behavior all of the time. Not just some of the time.
Are you consistent in your actions?
Establishing and following systems for how you execute practices to create your product or service will result in delivery consistency. Failure to follow systems and routines will create a product that is subpar, resulting in unhappy customers and a potential loss of revenue. Think of McDonalds. There’s no doubt that they do not have the greatest food in the world however they keep growing because they are consistent. When you have determined the “secret sauce” to delivering your product or service, don’t change the recipe. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
Are you consistent in your reactions?
Your team depends on you to set the tone and lead them. They are watching how you react to all situations, good or bad. Being consistent in your reactions requires you to behave in a predictable manner. Are you motivating and encouraging one day, then critical and deterring the next? If your employees don’t know what to expect from you day to day, then they will be cautious and feel like they are walking on egg shells. Only consistency of your actions will enroll and develop trust with your staff.
Are you consistent in your commitment?
Being over-the-top gung ho, then flip flopping to ready to throw in the towel, sends a message to your customers and your team that are aren’t committed. If you aren’t committed, then neither will they be. Remember that your attitude will influence theirs, so even if you’re having a bad day, stay consistent in your commitment.
Lack of consistency can result in lack of momentum, wasted time and money trying to re-invent the system, and lack of trust from your team and your customers. Successful people are not only consistent, they are habitual and ritualistic. They know what works and they keep doing it; down to the day, the hour, and the minute.
To ensure consistency in all areas of your work and personal life, you first have to set a goal. Then create the steps to reach that goal and stay consistent in your efforts until you reach that goal. Distance runners don’t sprint off the block. They set a pace and stay consistent all the way to the finish line; without changing their methods, patterns, or stopping and starting.
Being consistent requires discipline and mental toughness. You will have distractions and setbacks. What will differentiate you is how you handle these obstacles and push on through…consistently. Before you know it, your consistent behaviors will have created an environment of trust. And as you know trust is the key ingredient that enrolls your team and keeps your customers coming back.