The King Has Arrived

In the financial world, cash is king.  In the behavior world, consistency is king - only if you want results.  Consistency will instill trust, set expectations, and open communications.  Without it, people aren't sure where to go, what to do and how to respond. 

Stephen M.R. Covey's book, "The Speed of Trust" tells us that when you have trust, transactions can occur faster than without it.  How do you gain trust?  By doing what you say you are going to do, setting expectations, building integrity, and generally being consistent in all areas.  Most people don't enjoy being blind sided and when you are consistent in what you do it is easier to instill trust and get results.

Consistency also helps set expectations.  Many studies have proven that when people (or animals) are given expectations, the majority will either meet or exceed them.  When there are no expectations, that is generally the same result you can expect from them.  Being consistent in what you want and also how you react to what you don't want will help ingrain the importance of those expectations.

It also opens the lines of communication.  If you are consistent in your responses, people will know how to communicate with you.  Here you need to walk the talk of an open door policy.  If you consistently say no and don't listen to people, that of course will not draw them in.  If you consistently listen with an open mind and allow them to speak and ask for clarification when needed, you will likely find that people are willing to come to you with ideas and information. 

Consistency is not complacency.  Consistency will allow things to happen quicker as it helps instill trust, it helps set expectations and can improve communication.  That is, only if you are consistent with your promises, walk the talk and have an open mind to new ideas.  Find somewhere today that you haven't been consistent and make a conscientious effort to be more consistent.  Notice the results.