A Case for Consistency

Why the Absence of Compliments is the Beginning of Consistency

In a recent episode of the ReLeader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pastor Brady Boyd, who shared a profound insight into the nature of leadership:

"Leadership is doing the right things, for the right reasons, for a really long time."
— Brady Boyd

This simple yet powerful statement resonated deeply with me and sparked considerable reflection. Could the essence of effective leadership truly be distilled into such straightforward terms?

In the complex world of ReLeading, where we often inherit the challenges and unfinished projects of others, the importance of consistency cannot be overstated. It's a common understanding that ReLeading resembles a marathon more than a sprint, emphasizing endurance over speed. Yet, the practical application of this principle is less straightforward. Consistency in leadership is elusive, often felt rather than directly observed, making it difficult to measure and maintain.

How, then, can we accurately assess whether we're achieving the desired consistency in our leadership efforts? What benchmarks can leaders look to as they strive to maintain their course over the long haul?

There are numerous indicators of consistency in leadership. It might foster a thriving culture, enhance adaptability to change, or drive performance and success toward the mission, among many other signs. However, for leaders themselves, one of the most telling and impactful indicators of consistency might initially seem counterintuitive, even negative. Yet, if you're attuned to its true meaning, it's actually a positive signal, resonating clearly.

What is this elusive indicator of consistent leadership?

When no one tells you "good job" anymore.

Compliments Stop

The surest indicator of exceptional performance often comes from an unexpected source: the absence of compliments. Consider the sound engineer at any live event. When does everyone notice the sound engineer? When the mic squeals, stutters, or sends shivering echoes across the room. In this unique role, recognition only surfaces when something goes awry; if they excel at their job, their presence seamlessly blends into the background, unnoticed.

Think about the journey of maintaining fitness. When are you most likely to receive compliments? Usually, it's when there’s a noticeable transformation in appearance. Throughout my adult life, I’ve been dedicated to my health—watching my diet (with the occasional bowl of ice cream), frequenting the gym, lifting weights, hitting the stair climber, or cycling on my Peloton, which might as well be a hamster wheel for all its monotony. Despite this steadfast commitment, compliments are rare. Why?

Because our culture tends to overlook the beauty of consistency, favoring dramatic change over steady, ongoing effort.

How do I know when I’m leading with consistency? Interestingly, it's when the compliments stop. As you settle into your role as a ReLeader, the initial excitement that greeted your arrival diminishes. You're no longer the "new guy/gal." The honeymoon phase ends, and your presence becomes an expected part of the organizational fabric. Decisions that once drew loud applause now pass without comment. To an insecure leader who thrives on external validation, the silence might seem like a setback. However, the silence is a sign of success, an affirmation that they have achieved the consistent leadership they aspired to.

During my recent ReLeader journeys at both Victory Church and The King’s University, there was initially a flurry of attention on my decisions, strategies, and results. Everyone noticed and talked about the changes. However, over time, as consistency took root, it fostered trust, and what was once noteworthy became the new normal. This evolution mirrors the experiences of the sound engineer and those maintaining fitness—compliments ceased, and a healthy standard became the expected norm.

What can we learn from this shift? We must learn to celebrate the silence. It's a sign to rejoice when no one feels the need to say "good job" anymore. It means that the healthy leadership environment you've cultivated has become so ingrained and recognized as the standard that it no longer stands out as exceptional to those within it. Understand that your heavenly Father celebrates your achievements on your behalf. That divine acknowledgment is all the validation you truly need.

Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

True leadership involves recognizing that your worth isn’t dependent on external validation. It's about understanding that even if no one else acknowledges your efforts, they are seen and valued by your heavenly Father.

Silence is Satisfactory.