Consistency Fuels Greatness: The Power of Small, Regular Acts

“Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity.”
                               - Bruce Lee 

 People who don’t like Bruce Lee raise the same feeling in me as those who don’t like puppies or kittens – suspicion. I mean, what’s not to love? I have distant, blurred memories that manifest as nostalgic feelings when I think back on childhood hours spent watching Bruce Lee movies with my dad. Occasionally, my dad, just like Bruce Lee, would drop to the ground and do push-ups using only the tips of his fingers. I watched, amazed every time. I remember asking him how he was able to do that, to support his entire body weight with just his fingers, “I started with one push-up, then made a little progress each day,” he would say. My father was like that with everything, from his personal savings to parenting techniques. 

Small and consistent acts are the key to all relationships. A friend, colleague, or manager who is consistent in their behavior, boundaries, choice of words, and acts of kindness conveys, “I care for you and will demonstrate it by showing up in predictable ways, respecting our boundaries, and allowing us to have mutually agreed-upon expectations.” 

In essence, consistency is the bedrock of relationships, trust, confidence, courage, and resilience. For instance, a study by the American Psychological Association found that consistent behavior in leaders significantly boosts employee morale and productivity by 20%. This is because employees feel more secure and supported in a predictable and stable environment.

In the workplace, consistent demonstrations of care, support, encouragement, and openness enhance people’s ability to be vulnerable. Vulnerability in the workplace exists when people feel safe enough to admit they made a mistake, need help, or ask for support. A 2017 study by Google’s People Operations team revealed that psychological safety, which is deeply tied to consistency, is the most crucial factor in building successful teams. When employees feel safe, they are 30% more likely to take initiative and collaborate effectively.

How Consistency Improves Performance and Influence

1. Building Trust: Consistency builds trust, as people tend to rely on those who are predictable and dependable. According to the Harvard Business Review, 58% of employees trust strangers more than their own bosses. This trust gap can be bridged through consistent, transparent actions by leaders.
2. Enhancing Skills and Competence: Skill development is a cumulative process. For example, Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000-hour rule” emphasizes that mastery in any field requires consistent practice over time. This principle is applicable in the workplace, where consistent effort leads to improved skills and competence.
3. Strengthening Relationships: Relationships, whether professional or personal, thrive on consistent interactions. A Gallup poll found that people who have consistent one-on-one meetings with their managers are three times more likely to be engaged at work. These regular check-ins help in understanding concerns, providing timely feedback, and fostering a sense of belonging.
4. Boosting Confidence and Courage: Consistent actions help build confidence and courage. As employees see the results of their regular efforts, they are more likely to take on challenging tasks and step out of their comfort zones. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that consistent feedback and support from supervisors significantly enhance employees’ self-efficacy and performance.

Incorporating Consistency into Workplace Practices

1. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define what is expected from each team member. Consistency starts with understanding the goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
2. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any concerns. This not only keeps everyone on track but also builds a stronger connection between managers and employees.
3. Lead by Example: Leaders should model the behavior they expect from their team. Consistent actions from the top set the standard for the entire organization.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements regularly. This reinforces the importance of consistent effort and keeps morale high.
5. Provide Consistent Feedback: Offer regular feedback, both positive and constructive. Consistent feedback helps employees understand their progress and areas needing improvement, fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Consistency can lead to great feats, like the two-finger push-up. It also is a huge factor in propelling individuals and organizations toward success. By integrating consistent practices into the workplace, leaders can build trust, enhance skills, strengthen relationships, and boost confidence among their teams. Remember, it’s the small, regular acts that accumulate over time to create significant, lasting impact. Embrace consistency, and watch your performance and influence soar.

DeEtta