The power of consistency at work
THIS week, Valentine’s Day was celebrated the world over. This is the day when chocolates are bought in truckloads, florists are rushed off their feet, and restaurant owners laugh all the way to the bank.
Somehow, it has become a convention that love needs to be rejoiced on February 14 more intensely than on other days of the year.
But ask anyone who has endured the test of time in their relationships with their spouses, family or business associates. They will attest to the fact that a one-off recognition is not the secret of their success.
Relationships only grow and flourish when consistent efforts are placed to show appreciation.
Surely, the celebration of love and affection is a daily endeavour, and not a once-a-year affair.
Similarly at work, the key ingredient to achieving sustainable success is consistency.
In my book, “So, You Want To Get Promoted”, I place reliability as a vital step for anyone who wants to get results in their worklife.
And reliability is squarely founded on the ability to be consistent.
If you want real progress in your career, you have to be committed to sustained efforts over the long term, and not just be a flash in the pan.
In essence, this means that you pledge to keep your word to yourself and others. And, that you will follow through consistently over a period of time, till you meet your objectives.
Any spouse will tell you that they are willing to give up all the roses, chocolates, and expensive dinners in the world for a reliable partner who they trust and will be committed to.
Consistent performers are exactly what every employer wants. Being consistent is also what sets you apart from your colleagues.
Yet, even though it is fairly simple to understand on the surface, most people struggle with this. Perhaps, the daily rigmarole of life is so distracting that people lose sight of this.
Often, when dealing with issues with the people I train and coach, I realise that they are just not focused, committed or disciplined enough to stick with doing something for enduring results.
I have found that the main reason for this struggle is that many people adhere to a short-term view of work and life.
If they do not get immediate results from their actions, they just can’t seem to see the point of continuing with doing something over the long run.
Unfortunately, the practice of being consistent is not about obtaining swift results. Rather, it is about gradual development and improvement over an extended period of time.
It is just like any other skills that a person may have.
Anyone who plays a musical instrument, or cooks, or speaks another language, will tell you that their skill was developed and honed over time.
Their ultimate success comes only when they apply themselves consistently in learning that specific skill.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United Football Club, in his book, “Leading”, refers to the footballer David Beckham and his exceptional free kick prowess.
What the world saw was this gifted footballer with a penchant for being able to skillfully bend the ball around a defensive wall. What Alex saw was a dedicated professional, who would stay back for hours after normal training sessions to practise his free kicks.
Consistent efforts always pay dividends.
In business, the value of an enterprise is measured by the track record of its success. The same goes for your career. You track record will be scrutinised.
You cannot establish a track record if you are constantly shifting gears or trying new tactics. Many efforts fail before they get to the finishing line because people do not stay on course to meet their aims.
Being consistent will also help you measure your own personal effectiveness. Repeating something over and over again forms the foundation of any skills you want to learn.
However, I would like to suggest that consistency of action is not only about repetition. It is also about evolution.
Modern management indicates that success does not come by mindlessly repeating an action over and over again. Your focus must be on testing your actions, so that you can learn and grow from your results.
If you are able to hit a certain consistency and then learn to adapt your actions, you can make incremental improvements over an extended period of time.
This helps you gain insights into what you are doing and become better at the tasks to which you are assigned.
In practice, when you are consistent while being cognisant, you will improve your effectiveness and efficiency. And, this is what will make you valuable.
So, to come back to Valentine’s day, I hope you are consistent in your celebration of love with your treasured ones, so that your journey together evolves continuously and becomes better.
And, to those celebrating the Chinese New Year, my hope is that you are rewarded handsomely in this coming year for all your consistent efforts.
Consistent performers are exactly what every employer wants. Being consistent is also what sets you apart from your colleagues.
The writer is managing consultant and executive leadership coach at EQTD Consulting. He is also the author of the national bestseller “So, You Want To Get Promoted?”