You’ve probably heard in terms of leadership, all it takes is one “questionable” action for people to lose faith. It could be an ill timed comment ” I just want my life back” (BP CEO during the worst spill in history), a company’s reaction (Equifax’s small print where you give up your right to sue if you want to know whether or you were hacked)…there are all sorts of behaviors that can put you in the penalty box.But if you’re one of the good guys/girls….there’s only one thing you have to focus on. That’s consistency. Consistency = predictability=trust. It doesn’t mean you  shouldn’t keep working on your flaws (I am very impatient and when I get frustrated, I can become very direct), but consistency on what you do well is important. It’s when you’re not consistent that doubt gets raised on your ability. It’s what keeps you from being an A player. You want to be consistently reliable, fair, approachable, trustworthy. Sometimes doesn’t get you there.

One of my mentors is the epitome of consistency. I have never seen her lose her temper, curse, or behave inappropriately, no matter what the situation. At the same time, she is the most approachable, warm and caring person I know.  When I worked for her, I could go to her with anything. I haven’t worked for her in a while, but it really doesn’t matter…she still is a role model for me.