My friend, Art Jonak tweeted the following, which I’ll display in long-hand since this blog does not have the challenge of keeping thoughts to 140 characters (hmmm, are you thinking that, perhaps this blog should have that challenge?) 🙂
“Aberrant Behavior breaks trust. True leaders make decisions based on their principles. This creates consistent behavior & trust.”
Let’s first look at the quote to make sure we agree with its meaning. Aberrant relates to something different from the norm; in this case, it would mean an inconsistency of the leader in question. The quote, up to that point, simply means that when a leader is inconsistent, it breaks trust.
This would seem to be true, just as when parents are inconsistent with their children, a teacher with his students, or a coach with her players. As human beings, we relate to consistency. Actually, we are hard-wired to be secure with consistency.
All else being equal (in other words, assuming we buy into their mission and are in alignment with their goals, mission and basic character), we trust the person who is consistent. To this point in the quote, it has nothing to do with the leader, parent, teacher or coach being a “good” person or not; we’re just discussing trust as it relates to consistency.
Now, let’s look at the second part,that (true) leaders make decisions based on their (guiding) principles. I suggest this is also very true. Again, this is not even to suggest that this leader is a “good” person with “good intent.” There have been many evil people; tyrants who were great leaders when the term “leader” is defined as one who leads others in a particular cause or pursuit, or towards a particular goal.
(It goes without saying that hopefully their goals and ambitions, as well as the internal principles that guide them, are in fact what most of us would consider to be “good” or “worthy.”)
And, when these leaders – for good or evil purposes – make decisions that are consistent and based on their guiding principles (remember, these guiding principles aren’t necessarily good or bad…they just “are”) then they are most likely very effective leaders.
When a leader bases every decision he or she makes on the foundation of their guiding principles, this – by its very nature – creates consistent behavior. And, as suggested at the very beginning, the consistent behavior creates trust.
This does not mean that he or she doesn’t admit mistakes; not at all. Only that every decision is based on the clear set of principles and guidelines. Consistency breeds trust. And, those who can respect their leader for their integrity and consistency are a lot happier and more secure than those who really doesn’t know where their leader stands.
In a family, for example, it doesn’t mean that Mom or Dad don’t admit to making mistakes and even change some decisions they’ve made based on new information. But they are absolutely and completely consistent on principle (their children are not allowed to lie, steal, bully others, they must address elders with respect, etc.).
What about you? Are there leaders you have followed who – when you think about it – were effective, at least in part, because of their consistency? Any whom you didn’t quite trust as deeply for the opposite reason? What about you as a leader – is consistency based on guiding principles something about which you are ruthlessly watchful?
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
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The leaders (in my company) that I follow religiously are consistent with their message and their actions. They teach & inspire me to be a leader by their actions. There is a great Tom Peters quote: “Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders”
Great Post, Bob!
Leadership is based on character and integrity. Two “motto’s” a leader can live by, when working with team and prospective team.
“I will never lie to you”
“I will never knowingly tell you something that is not in the best interest of you, your family and your business”.
Right and Wrong never change places, regardless of circumstances.
Thanks for sharing Art’s philosophy and for your excellent expansion on the idea! 🙂
You’re a blessing to know!
great point! often easy to lose sight of the purpose and get caught up in the “stuff!”thanks as always for sharing!
Bob,
Thank you so much for explaining that quote in simple English. At first glance I really liked the quote, but with your insight I really love the quote! Why? Because it is so true!
I have the privilege of knowing a man named Steve Kirk, he’s not on twitter but he is on FB. Actually I was childhood friends with Steve, and followed him around into adulthood employment for nearly 25 years. Needless to say, he is a great friend and loyal mentor. I used to tell the people who worked for Steve that the best thing about Steve is that you know where you stand, and you know what to expect! I guess that would mean that he is a great leader in part because he is consistent!
On the flip side, after Steve moved on to bigger and brighter things, the direction in this company became one of ambush! I left employment with this company (of nearly 25 years) because of this. In fact, they decided to ambush me but thanks to Steve’s training, I developed enough insight to sniff it out and was not surprised at all by their actions.
With this said, my own evaluation would be that I have been both inconsistent and consistent. However, at the start of my business ownership journey, I made the decision to let my personal values be the guide to everything we do! This journey has been happening for the past two years, and let me tell you that never in my life have I been happier! Whenever we need to make a decision we do so with our values leading the decision. I truly believe that this approach has helped me to make great friends and great mentors along the way.
Joe
PS. Bob, you are one of my mentors! (And I know that MANY other people would say the same)
Great post, Bob. People crave consistency. We expect it of our bosses. In fact consistency is one of what I’ve identified as the 8 Characteristics of a Highly Effective Workplace. I describe consistency in those workplaces as “Rules stayed the same. They were consistently applied both across situations and for different individuals.”
Great article, indeed! I recently returned from a 9 day Womens Leadership Seminar that was an eye opening experience for me. I saw the principals that I guide my life by up close and personal! It occurs to me in reading your comments that I have felt badly about some of the mistakes I have made in parenting my children (for example) and yet I have always remained humble enough to apologize if I was short tempered or somehow delivered the direction is a less than empowering way. Great leaders DO make mistakes, but the consistency you speak of is most certainly in the leader’s guiding principals. My children trust that “I say what I mean and mean what I say”…even when they aren’t in agreement with me. That has built a strong relationship that has survived many of life’s challenges.
I so admire your message to the world, Bob. I look forward to spending more time at future events.
Thank you, everyone, for your terrific feedback and sharing of your wisdom and experiences. I apologize that I have not been able to respond to your comments personally but please know I’ve read each one in detail, learned much from them and took great pleasure in your kind words. Your comments absolutely outdid my article, and I love when that happens. :-). Thank you again!
Bob
Bob,
For the many years now that i have coached executives, I have found that the best of them have demonstrated consitency and conguency in their management of people and organizations. Consistency is one most critical of attributes in establishing and maintianing personal and professional credibility. It is what enables others to understand your priorities and expectations. It allows them to align their willingness and abilites in support of your vision and strategies.
Bob, Thanks so nuch for touching on this critical, but little addreesed leadership trait.
As always, great work.
Dan Boos
Dan: Thank you for your kind words, as well as for sharing your thoughts with us in this very important area. Much appreciated!