How to Be a Consistent Manager: Building Trust and Reliability
Being a consistent manager is vital for establishing trust, stability, and a healthy team culture. We know from people manager assessment data that consistent managers make fair decisions, set clear expectations, and foster a work environment where employees feel valued and understood. Yet, as pressure increases and unpredictable changes accelerate, being a consistent manager can be challenging.
Steps to Be a Consistent Manager
Based upon new manager training best practices, here’s how to develop and sustain consistency in your leadership style, so your team always knows what to expect from you.
- Establish Clear Goals and Expectations
Leadership consistency begins with strategic clarity. We know from organizational alignment research that strategic clarity accounts for 31% of the difference between high and low performing teams. Teams perform better when they know what’s expected of them and how their work aligns with broader organizational goals. To be a more consistent manager, start by co-creating a team charter that outlines agreed upon:Goals that are Clear, Achievable, and Meaningful
Work with your team to set compelling and realistic objectives that align with overall strategic priorities. Define the outcomes you expect and clarify any non-negotiable standards.Roles and Processes
High performing teams are clear about who does what, where interdependencies matter, and how work gets done in terms of processes and policies.How Success is Measured
Effective teams have agreed upon strategy success metrics that outline how success and failure will be measured, rewarded, and consequence.Ways to Communicate and Share Information
A consistent manager communicates openly, frequently, and reliably. Effective communication includes regular updates, but it also involves ensuring your team feels heard and valued. Effective managers keep their team updated on what’s going on in the business, key priorities, and deadlines.Create an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions or sharing concerns. Consistent communication goes both ways; make it clear that their voices matter. Use team meetings, one-on-ones, and informal conversations to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has the information required to do their job.
- Lead by Example
We know from action learning leadership development participants that great leaders model the behavior they expect from their team members. Consistently modeling what you expect as a leader sets the standard for others and creates a ripple effect throughout the team. To do this effectively:Stay Committed to Your Values
Even if it means making an unpopular decision, uphold the corporate values and team norms you want to see in your team. The more you follow your values, the more your team can interpret your actions in a straightforward way.Do What You Say You Will Do
Employees quickly form opinions of leaders based on what they say and do. Consistency means your team can rely on your words. Actions need to be aligned with words to foster a culture of trust.Be Transparent and Honest
Open and consistent communication builds trust and helps team members to feel respected and valued. - Maintain Fairness in Decision-Making
Employees pay close attention to how managers make decisions. A perception of leadership unfairness or inconsistency can lead to employee disengagement or resentment. To create a fair playing field, strive to:Use Objective Criteria
First, develop transparent criteria for evaluating performance and making decisions. Then, apply it consistently across your team. Avoid workplace politics, favoritism, or making decisions based on subjective feelings.Hold Everyone Accountable
Consistent managers create a culture of accountability that transparently holds all team members, including themselves, to the same agreed-upon standards of behavior and performance. A fair approach to accountability enhances morale and encourages everyone to meet shared standards.Consider All Perspectives
Managers that fostering a culture of open, ongoing communication build a foundation where team members feel secure and respected. When making decisions that impact the team, consider different perspectives, and gather feedback. This approach not only leads to better-informed decisions but also shows that you value input from all members.
- Adapt Your Management Style Mindfully
Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. It’s possible to be lead situationally while still maintaining a reliable management approach. To achieve this balance as a leader:Be Flexible When Needed
Work or individual employee challenges may require adjustments to your usual leadership approach. Show empathy, but keep in mind the importance of fairness across the team.Stay Calm Under Pressure
We know from change management simulation data that employees want consistency and honesty during times of change. Remain calm and grounded and make sure that your team feels supported and confident that they can navigate difficulties together.Stay Committed to Core Principles
While the methods may vary, your core values as a leader should remain steady. This approach reassures your team that, while things may change, your commitment to fairness and stability doesn’t waver. - Seek Feedback and Reflect Regularly
Continuous improvement is key to maintaining a reliable management style. To consistently improve your ability to lead, manage, and coach your team:Ask for Feedback
Regularly seek feedback from your team shows vulnerability, builds trust, and provides valuable insights into areas where you can improve.Reflect on Your Actions
Make time for self-reflection to assess if your actions align with the expectations you set. If you identify areas where you’ve been inconsistent, address them openly, and make changes to improve.Commit to Growth
Management is a continuous learning process. Take advantage of management development opportunities to build the management skills that matter most.
The Bottom Line
Consistency is one of the most crucial qualities of effective leadership and management. It directly impacts team trust, productivity, and morale. By establishing clear goals, modeling exemplary behavior, making fair decisions, practicing reliable communication, and staying adaptable, you can build a reputation as a dependable leader.
To learn more improving your ability to lead, manage, and coach others, download 6 Management Best Practices that Make the Difference Between Effective and Extraordinary