Would you believe that many employees would prefer a bad manager who’s consistent over an inconsistent manager? I’ve heard that statement a lot in my years of coaching and training in corporate America. What is interesting is this is the same psychosocial belief of women who stay with abusive men -: at least consistently bad is better than unknowing or inconsistent.

Now, I’m not saying that you should be a bad leader. That’s not the takeaway here! I am saying that you should consistently apply great leadership skills.

Why is consistency so important? Because people like predictability. They like knowing the rules of the game, especially a leader’s rules of the game.

Imagine a manager who greets everyone with a cheerful “Hello!” on Monday morning then marches in on Tuesday morning, head down, growling that she needs coffee. How should employees approach her the next day? Or the next week? Who knows?

Your consistency will improve how people interact with you on many levels. Knowing what characteristics you portray when you “show up” is important to your success!

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.