Consistency Matters!

A proclamation of experience through the ages declares this one truth indissoluble: when it comes to politics nothing is ever set in stone. One needs only to take a brief walk down America’s memory lane to prove the point. From the times of Andrew Jackson to the present, prevalent in politics is the reality of mudslinging and fit throwing given one’s position on the political spectrum.

It has always saddened me to see people on the far side of either end of the happy - hurt spectrum, because the quick ebb and flow of politics can flip the spectrum in an instance and people end up living an inconsistent life full of short-lived happy highs or loathsome lows. It is much like balancing a wooden raft on ocean waves during a storm, not much by way of consistent stability and security. Sadly, people have come to expect and accept the ugliness and inconsistency of politics, but certainly not of leadership. Inconsistent leaders are potentially walking catastrophes looking for a place to happen.

People need consistent leaders from parents to presidents and everything in between. Consistence provides stability and security in an uncertain and wavering environment, it supplies truth amid trials, strength amid struggles, energy amid exhaustion. It is, more importantly, a foundation for trust to flourish. Simply put, consistent leaders are more trustworthy leaders, and the opposite holds true, as well. Most importantly, consistency underscores the truth of a leader and motivates people to hold on to that truth.

During this season of thanksgiving, remember consistency plays a big role in the celebration. I was reminded of this while serving soldiers a “Thanksgiving Meal” down range in an unstable environment. One of the serving officers shared a quip as he served the meals, “a meal like home in a combat zone.” One soldier spoke up saying, “It’s nice, but it’s not like home.” The soldier continued, “My grandma is thanksgiving to me. She makes a meal second to none, same every year, and best of any meal offered, by far!”

The soldier’s words, “My grandma is thanksgiving to me” made me pause and think how her consistency with her meal production made her “thanksgiving” to him. As a leader, while your consistency may not make you “thanksgiving to your people,” It will certainly provide your people something to be happy about and thankful for every day.