Consistency, Consistency, Consistency!

As a leader, your employees look to you to be consistent and unwavering in the way you treat them. If you act any differently from employee to employee, you will not be able to hide your inconsistencies. Be fair to a fault; if you provide coaching to one employee about a particular behavior you have observed, be sure to do the same with every employee who exhibits the same behavior in the future.

One of the most challenging aspects of management is the ability to remain consistent and fair with everyone you encounter. But to prove yourself as a leader, each employee needs to feel that you treat him or her just like you do everyone else. 'Playing favorites' is the best way decrease employee satisfaction and will encourage them to look for another job.

There should be no question about your expectations. This includes the rewards for a job well done and an understanding of the consequences for not meeting your expectations. Employees should have a clear, well communicated message of what behaviors are important and required for success in your organization.

To insure fairness and regularity in your practices, be sure to document all of your policies and procedures. Whether it's your vacation policy, pay structure or how to serve a customer, each employee must know and understand 'the rules of the road'. If you are creating policies as you go along, there will no doubt be times when you are not consistent in the way you treat your employees.

The best way to discover gaps in your consistency is by facilitating employee surveys or focus groups. If your organization does not provide a regular, formal employee survey, take the time to conduct small team meetings with your employees and ask them to tell you what could be done better or their areas of frustration. They won't be shy! To gain even more of their trust, make sure you take action on the most common issues, or those that directly affect employee or customer satisfaction. If you don't do anything with their feedback, they will be hesitant to be so open next time.

The poet Maya Angelou said "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." Do all you can to be known as a leader who has enough courage to treat each of your employees fairly and consistently.

                                                                         Sincerely,
 

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