Whether you are in athletics or business, leaders are always looking for a competitive advantage. Believe it or not, there are three competitive advantages which comes from the one leadership skill few ever talk about.
Read the stores below and see if you can identify the skill.
Consistency Creates Momentum
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once said of his then-20-year-old player Curtis Jones after a match against Chelsea, “Curtis is a top player. Still a talent but a really good package. I thought he played a really good game. He won, in the first half, the best balls for us. He was really good in these situations. On top of that, he was involved in all football situations. He dropped in the right spaces, was brave in between the lines, so many good things. But that’s football, and he’s still young.”
It was then Klopp gave his most important insight, “His consistency is maybe sometimes a little bit the issue, but he’s in a really good moment. He’s now old enough to keep that moment going.”
Klopp teaches us that consistency creates momentum.
Consistency Brings Comfort
When assessing his own leadership, Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach Sam Pittman told The Athletic, “I hope if you talk to any player at any position that they would say that he is who he is, he’s very consistent, and he’s going to say whatever is on his mind. But he’s going to be consistent. And I know that he cares about me. I’m hoping that would be said by every different position group. That’s what I would like. But we’re going to hold them accountable. Whatever’s on my mind I’m going to say it. I’m going to be as consistent as I can. And I hope they know how much I love them.”
Coach Pittman’s consistency gave his team comfort and a sense of security. They knew what to expect each and every day from their coach. Leaders who are inconsistent create mental and emotional dysfunction.
Consistency Sustains Success
Coach Nick Saban said on the Pat McAfee Show, “I never once felt satisfied. By 1 o’clock in the morning, after we won a national championship, I was worried about next year’s team.” He attributes this to his sustained success. Coach Saban added, “That wasn’t any fun because you never enjoyed what you accomplished, but it certainly helped us stay more consistent.”
Coach Saban was known for his “Process.” The consistency of the Process resulted in sustained success.
Conclusion
The hidden leadership skill few ever talk about is consistency. But it should be more of a priority because consistency creates momentum, brings comfort, and sustains success.
How would your team describe the consistency of your leadership in these area?
Resource for Improving Consistency
Next week on December 2nd my new book releases. Here’s a synopsis: Some leaders are easily forgotten, others leave a lasting legacy. Some leaders do things by default, others by design. Some leaders want silver bullets, others build systems. The Games Leaders Play is a powerful resource which gives you the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s world. Containing numerous stories and anecdotes, I will teach you the leadership principles needed to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will be inspired and better equipped to lead others as you turn each page. A discussion guide is included so you can go through this book with your team. Whether you lead a church, athletic organization, business, or non-profit, The Games Leaders Play is the resource you have been looking for. Some leaders keep doing the same, others are playing a different game. It’s time to go to the next level!
