Helping Your Team Thrive

Consistency is essential to your team dynamics. We cling to consistency as it saves time, money, energy, and as much avoidance of anxiety as possible. That is when it does not stifle innovation. It is also a positive quality in your brand persona, given the benefits of its offer of the abovementioned elements.

When we lack consistency, we tend to be less favored by those for whom consistency rules supreme. This allows us to make an informed choice knowing the probability is most likely in our favor with specific audiences.

Here are some more benefits to your team:

  • Being consistent builds trust and respect. Your team can count on you to communicate expectations, follow through on commitments, and demonstrate clear values.
  • Being consistent encourages accountability. As a leader who holds their team in high regard and has instilled a sense of ownership, your team tends to respond with accountability and excellence.
  • Consistency enhances communication. When your team knows what to expect, they can skip to discussing important things about the project and team strategy.
  • Consistency fosters innovation. Without guessing intentions, time is freed up to present new ideas. Leaders who support this trait encourage their employees to take risks and brainstorm different approaches.
  • Consistency supports growth and development. As long as it’s part of the leader’s game plan, time freed up by consistency can be spent on the team or individual growth opportunities, whether training, new tools, or fun, enriching activities.

Small Changes Lead to Big Results

Sometimes we get feedback that suggests something needs to change in how we do what we do. In those instances, it is helpful to consider the issue’s root that prompts the feedback to find its way to our front door.

Once you’ve done a root cause analysis – a fancy way of saying what’s causing the problem – you can identify solutions to ensure the problem gets solved and determine steps to prevent it from reoccurring. While it can be a noted effort to tackle, the first step is overshadowed by what it takes to avoid the reoccurrence. That is where your discipline is crucial.

These examples may trigger behaviors to replace, what to do instead, and a quick technique on how you might tackle this change.

Move FromMove ToWhat to Do
Late to meetingsEarly to meetings15-minute calendar buffer
Talk muchTalk lessListen more
Full agendasSpacious agendasLessen agenda items
Work weekendsAvoid weekend workSchedule nonwork weekend activities
No ME timeRegular ME timeSelf-Appointments
Heavy workloadDelegate workloadDiscuss deadlines and workload as a team

Creating Space

I recently worked with a group of high-level managers from across the globe. I appreciate this audience, in part, due to the richly diverse cultural exchange alone. Add to that the varied perspectives from which we all can learn and the different ways of thinking that opens our minds.

At some point, one of the managers approached me on a break and shared how fascinated they were at how I managed the flow of the work and the individual dynamics that come with a hugely diverse group of people. I recall smiling as I responded, “…how important it is to create space for everyone to feel invited and even encouraged to participate and share.” I shared this as a response and as an answer to their inquiry about how to do what I do.

Later that same day, another manager approached me to let me know how grateful they were for how I navigated the group through an experiential day of leadership development while making sure everyone was heard and that each person could express themselves and feel valued. Again, I smiled. Only this time, I noted that my brand is at work and serving me well.

The questions for you are: What is it about You that is consistent, time-tested, and always a part of how you show up to others? What is your superpower that allows others to count on your leadership?

Consistency and the Bottom Line

Consistency plays a role in all aspects of business, including brand presentation. Think about these numbers. Consistent brand presentation can increase revenue by as much as 23%. 54% of businesses say that brand consistency substantially contributes to the growth of a business. 95% of companies have some form of brand guidelines.

When you are consistent with your individual brand, these same principles apply. Business grows, and your team knows what to expect and acts accordingly. In turn, there is a correlation between productivity and the bottom line.

Here’s a more concrete example. Let’s say you call a team meeting and arrive 15 minutes late. You think it’s not a big deal. Suppose your employees make $150 per hour, and eight people are waiting for you – that 15-minute delay translates to $300! Plus, that’s 15 minutes where they could have been more productive, AND you now appear unreliable. Consistency is important.

A Stable Foundation

“Consistency is a key element, without which a leader is incapable of getting respect, success or even developing confidence in others.” -Daniel Transon

Consistent leadership provides a stable foundation for team members to work towards a common goal, ultimately leading to greater success and achievement. Therefore, leaders strive to demonstrate consistency in their actions and behaviors.

While creating a sense of consistency in the work environment is essential, it’s worth mentioning that consistency in all other aspects of your life contributes to these behaviors. These might include meditation to calm and clear your mind, a nourishing breakfast to provide energy, or a fitness routine to relax and destress.

Over the past few months, we’ve ‘brought together the Executive VOICE principles – Values, Openness, Intentionality, and Consistency. While all of these are crucial in enabling your success, consistency is the glue that holds it together. How will you create more consistent practices in your life or team? Book a session on my calendar to discuss your situation and help create a more consistent environment that will benefit you and your team.

Founder’s Corner

You’re on a tight schedule. No time to waste and little time to fit something more into your busy life. You race to the grocery store to pick up a few items and race back home in time for your next call. Suddenly you feel the coming of hunger pains. Thank goodness you went food shopping when you did. Although you forgot a few essentials you were planning on to ease those lunch time hunger pains. Does this sound familiar. You’re not alone.

I did a bit of research and discovered that over 50 percent of food shopping is unplanned. What does that say about our intention? Or for that matter, our effectiveness in budgeting groceries. How much time have you invested by not having a grocery list prepared and a clear intention about what you’ll eat? It’s happen to me, so I know first-hand. Yet would you lead a line of business without an intention?

I’m Byron Darden and I want to welcome you to another addition of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. Today we’re going to talk about intention.

I recently attended a fireside chat for woman of color by woman of color. Empowering Authentic Corporate woman. Five women, five inspiring stories that spoke to the need for intentionality when you have your eye on the next executive move you want to make toward the C-Suite in your career. I was inspired by the stories many of these women shared about being a scientist in an environment dominated by men. The challenges overcome by women who struggle with Dyslexia and yet find a way to thrive. The story of increasing representation of black women in industry. And the heartbreaking wakeup call about the distinction between a mentor and a sponsor, the latter of which holds significant benefits when navigating the corporate ladder.

I invite you to take a closer look at who these women are and why their stories matter to us all. And while you’re exploring, take time to learn more about Intentionality. The third installment of my series on the Executive Voice. Enjoy!

Value of Intentionality in Leadership

Think of your last big project, how you approached the work and the outcome. Did you jump in with both feet, and where you landed was where you started? Or did you look at the big picture, create a plan, and determine a logical approach based on due dates and company goals? Taking time to think about a project and speaking and acting deliberately and intentionally each step of the way will make you a more effective leader.

Intentionality goes beyond the boardroom and is present in all aspects of your life. When you practice the principles of intentionality in your personal life, you become a more intentional leader by default. According to entrepreneur Finnian Kelly, here are five ways to bring your focus inward:

  • Practice being present,
  • Leverage time instead of energy,
  • Experience fulfillment by focusing on desired feelings, not success and outcomes,
  • Create frictionless freedom through self-made boundaries,
  • Experience joy by choosing love over fear,

When you take time to slow down and act purposefully, you will carry these behaviors into your professional life. Let’s explore the value of intentionality in leadership.

On Purpose With Purpose

Intentionality is being about something. It is the deliberate performance of an action executed consciously and with one’s full awareness. Essentially intentionality can be summed up in four words, “on purpose with purpose.” So, what does this mean?

Suppose that you were in a meeting about a big project. Your boss discusses the purpose, due date, and why upper management believes it is essential. By the end of the meeting, you are excited about the project and a bit unclear about what you should do next. Likely, your boss was not intentional in their directions. When you come out of the meeting with clear action steps, timelines, and responsibilities, your boss has clarified the project’s intentions.

While being intentional, consider the impact of your thoughts, words, and actions. One can intentionally harm, yet that is certainly not the goal of an insightful leader.

Intentional Mindfulness

Let me pose another scenario to illustrate the importance of intentionality and mindfulness.

A surgeon is educated to perform a precise task. When you learn that you require surgery, you naturally want a surgeon who instills confidence, has the skills, and who has plans to proceed. Most of us would quickly point out our unwillingness to go forward into surgery with an ill-prepared surgeon.

Yet we often speak before we think. Then it is too late for us to put the sharp scalpel we refer to as our tongue back into our mouths that wagged too soon. We wish we could have a second chance. You may hear the familiar ring of the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Oscar Wild or Will Rogers.

Once a surgeon has cut off the wrong limb or removed the body part that was not infected, the damage is done. Likewise, when we blurt out words or reactions without considering their consequences, we may cause irreparable damage. Thoughtless words spoken in the heat of the moment are easier said and challenging to undo.

We have much influence over what and how we say what’s on our minds. We do this by mastering the art of mindfulness. We use it as performing artists to sing and dance. It steadies the hand of a sculptor and sharpens the eye of the designer to capture the just right drape, colors, and fabrics in a collection of garments.

For those unaware of my background, my formative years were spent as a figure skater, then a coach. Mindfulness is paramount for a figure skater executing multi-revolution jumps with the goal of landing gracefully on less than a quarter inch of steel. It equally supports executives who are consistently on the go, leading teams of people through complex projects that require an eye on the budget, another on the client, and still another on the company and its competing priorities.

Mindfulness ultimately boils down to how effectively you execute your responsibilities as a leader and communicate in such a way that engages and inspires people to take pride in their work and put in the time necessary. It’s about being deliberate and mindful of what we say and do to accomplish the set goal.

Follow the Recipe

Intentionality is a recipe for a successful business and a well-prepared meal. It is crucial to remember that leading with a purpose on purpose will carry you just as far as preparing a meal with the correct recipes, proper ingredients, ample time, and focus on what happens when and for how long.

Since intentionality’s prime components are based on mental categories, our beliefs, awareness, and desires can be socially evaluated for their impact on assessing blame and responsibility.

Being intentional is about bringing focus and attention to the task at hand. It’s getting clear on the results – the how and the why. It allows you to build trust, create space for others, recognize contributions, and achieve goals.

Being intentional is also about being your true self. Get clear on what you want and pinpoint your purpose. Determine your values and limits. When life throws you lemons, will you make lemonade or throw the lemons back? Becoming clear on your beliefs and feelings will make bringing focus much more accessible.