Consistency Over Time

(Photo: Aaron Bartz)

“Consistency” by meaning (circa 1716) is the "steady adherence to principles, patterns of action, etc." The word itself has changed meaning and definition from different periods, but the definition from 1716 is so simple we overlook it. Exactly like our new year’s resolutions of getting in the gym or starting a fitness program, we have lofty goals and expectations but most fall short in the same attempt, consistency.

When we take this idea into leadership and apply it to a new position or a new outlook on leadership, we do not account for time or adversity which in the end directly affects our effort we put in. Maintaining that surge of emotion and potential positive outlook for months or years becomes difficult or downright impossible to continue to carry on. Not to mention the ups and downs of leading up or the day-to-day struggles of disappointment or being told “Stop, No and Don’t.” These things could crush the most enthusiastic individual and break even the strongest of resolves. But consistency over time is the true mark of growth as an individual and as a leader and will win the war.

Too often we focus on individual battles and are defeated, yet we lose sight of the real, all-encompassing struggle of growth of the agency, department, district, team, crew, individual and the people around us. This is where sustained changes come from; it’s not giving up on the things you can affect or the growth you can help foster.

If we look back at the energizing starts of a new position or opportunity to lead and draw on how exciting that was, the possibilities of where that could go are endless. By using our slips and stumbles as learning lessons to improve our next attempt, we remove the limitations that once zapped our energy by replacing it with a more consistent, resilient approach.

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge – Digging a Little Deeper

I want to try something new! In the comments section below, please share a adversity or challenge that has slowed down your leadership growth. My hope is once you have written it out that, you will see it from another perspective and possibly see a new approach to moving past it. Plus maybe somebody else will have had that similar problem and be able to share insight on their path.

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Christopher Ayer is a Firefighter/Firefighter Type 1/Paramedic for Corona De Tucson Fire Department in Tucson, Arizona. The expressions and views are those of the author.