To Lead Effectively…Strive for Consistency and Predictability
You’ve likely heard that success in today’s business world requires being unpredictable—challenging the status quo, thinking outside the box, and pushing boundaries. While that may work when developing a product or staying ahead of competitors, unpredictability is not a leadership strength. In fact, it can be unsettling for your team. What your team needs from you is consistency and predictability in your leadership style.
Think about it: Do you follow the same routine each morning? Do you take the same route to work, stop at the same coffee shop, or order your favorite meal at a restaurant? Most of us are creatures of habit because we crave predictability.
Now imagine stopping at your favorite coffee shop, only to learn they’re out of a key ingredient for your usual order. You’re thrown off—confused, frustrated, maybe even angry. This disruption to your routine can derail your entire day. Similarly, when a leader is unpredictable, it creates that same sense of discomfort and frustration in a team.
Consider this scenario: Sue: “Have you seen Bob this morning?” Joe: “Yes, he’s in a good mood today.” Sue: “Good. I need to talk to him, but I never know what mood he’ll be in. Some days he’s approachable; other days, it’s like walking on eggshells.”
When leaders are inconsistent in their behavior, several problems arise:
- Lack of Communication – Team members may avoid bringing important issues to an unpredictable leader, limiting information flow and reducing their effectiveness.
- Filtered Information – Unpredictable reactions lead to filtered messages, which gives the leader an inaccurate view of the situation.
- Poor Decision-Making – When the team avoids seeking the leader’s input, they make decisions on their own—often less informed ones.
- Declining Engagement – Constantly guessing a leader’s mood causes disengagement and frustration. Team members stop putting in their best effort.
- Stifled Creativity – Instead of focusing on innovation, the team shifts its energy to survival, just trying to make it through the day.
- Decreased Commitment – Team members adopt a compliance mindset, doing just enough to get by instead of fully committing to the company’s success.
This unpredictability can lead to absenteeism, low morale, and even turnover. In high-stakes situations, people want a leader who responds consistently and calmly. They want to know that bringing up an issue will lead to reliable guidance, not a guessing game.
In leadership, consistency and predictability are key. If your team calls you “predictable,” take it as a compliment—it means you’re creating a stable environment where they can thrive.
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