We are what we repeat...I'll say that again...

The art of habits and consistency

“We are what we repeatedly do” Aristotle said this, or at least that’s what he meant. There is some debate about whether he actually said these words, but everyone agrees it was one of his key teachings.

The result of the habits we develop are not always immediate or even noticeable for quite some time. But you do become the person you want to be (or not) by repeating the habits of that person. Consistency wins.

As a leader in any field being present is critical, being in the moment. Powerful distractions like cashflow or market-share can play havoc with our carefully conceived plans or habits. We get knocked off course with good reason. However, making time to calmly and consistently communicate to the team will make you stand-out and give the team purpose and passion to deliver .

I have carried out many surveys in my time, mainly with teams to try and establish their views on their workplace and what would make it better. Top of the list, nearly always: consistent and clear communication from the top, please.

The universal wish from staff was “consistency in leadership behaviour”. Not consistency of strategy or direction, they largely understood that these things change, but behaviour that's balanced, was number one. They wanted to know were they stood, how things were and how they were doing, regularly.

In summary, teams benefit if:

1. There is regular balanced and consistent communication

2. The leadership team actions and deeds are consistent.

3. Communication is not knee jerk, it is part of the fabric of the business.

4. Staff are respected by giving them consistency of leadership.

Communication is key, but it needs to be a habit. Be consistent, fair and clear, and don't offer a new initiative that cannot be sustained or treated as a cynical exercise.

Mean what you say and say what you mean. If you promise it, deliver it.