There are few things more powerful in leadership than consistency. Talent may get you noticed, but consistency is what makes you great. On Thursday, March 27th, Pittsburgh Penguins team captain and future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby did what he has been doing for two decades — delivering positive results. With a goal at the 11:11 mark of the first period against the Buffalo Sabres, Crosby secured his 80th point of the season, marking an unprecedented 20 consecutive seasons of averaging at least one point per game. See the video above for the historic moment.
Think about that — 20 straight years of elite-level production. That is not just excellence. That is legendary, record-breaking consistency. Consistency is not an accident. It is intentional and requires a process. Crosby himself pointed to “work ethic” and the need to “evolve and adjust” as key drivers of his sustained success. Leaders in any field — whether in sports, business, ministry, or life — would do well to take note.
4 Lesson on the Secret to Great Leadership
The following are four lessons on the secret to great leadership – consistency:
1. Consistency Builds Trust
One of the defining characteristics of great leaders is that people know what to expect from them. Crosby’s longtime teammate, Kris Letang, put it best: “His consistency is just incredible. He just keeps going and going.” When people know they can rely on you, trust is built. Teams follow leaders who show up every day with the same level of commitment, preparation, and execution. Born from consistency, trust is the foundation of leadership. Crosby does not just have occasional great moments — he produces every single season. That is what sets him apart. Leaders, ask yourself: Are you someone people can count on daily, not just in the big moments?
2. Consistency Comes from Preparation and Adaptability
Crosby’s greatness is not just about skill — it is about how he prepares, evolves, and adjusts. In leadership, yesterday’s success doesn’t guarantee tomorrow’s results. The marketplace changes. Culture shifts. Opponents adapt. Leaders must be willing to evolve and improve over time. Crosby understands this reality. As he put it, “After this long, you’ve got to be able to evolve and adjust.” He is not doing the same things he did as a rookie — he has grown with the game. Great leaders are lifelong learners. They study trends, refine their skills, and never stop improving. If you are leading the same way you did five years ago (maybe even a year ago), you are falling behind.
3. Consistency is a Team Effort
No leader succeeds alone. While Sidney Crosby’s name is in the record books, he is the first to acknowledge the teammates, coaches, and staff who have supported him throughout his 20-season streak. “It’s special — there’s a lot of guys over the years who’ve contributed to that,” Crosby told SportsNet Pittsburgh during a first-period intermission interview.
Consistency is not just about personal discipline — it is also about surrounding yourself with the right people. Strong leaders recognize that their ability to perform at a high level depends on the team around them. The right teammates push you, hold you accountable, and create an environment where excellence becomes the standard.
Leaders should ask themselves: Who am I surrounding myself with? Are they making me better? Am I investing in them so we can succeed together? Crosby’s consistency is not just his own — it is a reflection of a culture of excellence within the Penguins organization. The best leaders build teams that help them sustain greatness over time.
4. Consistency Creates a Legacy
Crosby’s 1,676 career points place him 9th all-time in NHL history. More than his numbers, his legacy is one of unwavering excellence. His left wing, Rickard Rakell, summed it up: “I mean, no one is even nervous about it or anything because it’s not like he isn’t going to do it.” That is the power of consistency — it removes doubt. When leaders show up every day and deliver, those around them stop questioning whether they will succeed. They just expect it. For leaders, this is a challenge. If people do not expect you to be excellent every day, why not? What habits, disciplines, and mindsets do you need to refine to create that kind of legacy?
Conclusion
Sidney Crosby’s greatness is not just about skill — it is about the discipline to show up and perform year after year. Leaders who want to make a lasting impact must embrace the same mindset. Work hard. Adjust. Have the right team around you. Deliver results. And most importantly, do it again tomorrow. Because when it comes to leadership, consistency is what separates the good from the great.
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