Many on LinkedIn will tell you that consistency is critical to success, but what does that actually mean? Indeed, whether in business, personal development, or sports, consistency can lead to significant achievements. However, the part that is often overlooked is that there are two distinct types of consistency: the repetition of tasks and the relentless and agile pursuit of a goal. Both have their merits, but both are necessary at different times.
Type One: Repetition of Task
Definition:
The first type of consistency involves repeating the same motions, actions, or activities with the expectation of achieving the same result. This approach relies on the belief that persistence through repetition will eventually yield success.
Pros:
- Habit Formation: Repetition of tasks can help form habits, which can streamline processes and make actions more automatic.
- Skill Mastery: Repeating a task can lead to the development of expertise. Indeed, practice is fundamental in many fields, including complex problem-solving.
- Predictability: This approach provides a sense of predictability and stability, which can be comforting and reduce decision fatigue.
Cons:
- Stagnation: Repeating the same actions can lead to stagnation, especially if the environment or circumstances change.
- Inefficiency: This method can become inefficient if the repeated actions do not lead to the desired outcomes.
- Lack of Innovation: A strict adherence to repetition can stifle creativity and innovation, essential components of growth and improvement.
Scientific Support:
Behavioral psychology supports the idea that repetition can reinforce behaviors, making them more ingrained and automatic. This principle is the basis of habit formation theories such as those proposed by Charles Duhigg in “The Power of Habit.“
Type Two: Relentless and Agile Pursuit of a Goal
Definition:
A relentless and agile pursuit of a goal characterizes the second type of consistency. This approach involves flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to change tactics to achieve the desired outcome.
Pros:
- Adaptability: This method allows for adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances, increasing the chances of success.
- Innovation: The willingness to try new approaches fosters innovation and creativity, which is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
- Resilience: This approach builds resilience as it requires persistence and the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks.
Cons:
- Complexity: This approach can be more complex and demanding, requiring constant evaluation and adjustment. In other words, it requires you to be “pro.”
- Uncertainty: The lack of a fixed routine can create uncertainty and anxiety for individuals who struggle with change.
- Resource Intensive: This method can be resource-intensive, requiring more time, energy, and sometimes financial investment in things like skill development. This also requires self-awareness to know what skills and resources you may not have or need to improve.
Scientific and Leadership Theories Support:
Agile Leadership methodologies, popularized in software development, emphasize iterative progress, flexibility, and customer feedback. This approach has been shown to lead to more innovative and user-centered solutions. Similarly, Carol Dweck’s research on “growth mindset” supports the idea that viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt can lead to greater success.
The Football Analogy
Imagine that you are the coach of a football team, and you are building the strategy for the big game. The truth is that relying solely on the first type of consistency—repeating the same play over and over—would likely result in failure. Your opponents would quickly adapt and neutralize your strategy.
In contrast, the second type of consistency, where a team uses diverse plays and adapts to the game’s unfolding dynamics, increases the likelihood of success. This adaptability allows the team to navigate obstacles and exploit opportunities as they arise. However, this approach requires the team to know more than one play and be proficient at each of them.
The type of proficiency required to win demands that the first type of consistency is used before the game. This means the players must practice each play repeatedly to become more proficient. By doing so, they will be better prepared to adapt and be agile (using various plays) in the face of adversity during the game, which will rely solely on the second type of consistency.
The Manufacturing/Tech Business Analogy
Imagine that you are the CEO of a manufacturing or tech company, and you are planning the strategy for product development. Relying solely on the first type of consistency—repeating the same production processes or development methods without variation—would likely result in stagnation. Competitors will soon surpass your company by adopting more innovative approaches.
In contrast, the second type of consistency, where the company continuously adapts and evolves its processes and methods to meet changing market demands, increases the likelihood of success. This adaptability allows the company to navigate market shifts, incorporate new technologies, and exploit emerging opportunities. However, this approach requires the company to master diverse skills and methodologies first.
The type of proficiency required to excel demands that the first type of consistency is used in the initial phases. This means that employees need to repeatedly practice and refine foundational skills and processes to achieve a high level of proficiency. Doing so makes them better prepared to implement and adapt new strategies and technologies in response to market changes.
For example, software developers might initially focus on mastering a specific programming language or development framework in a tech company through repeated practice. Once they have achieved a high level of proficiency, they can then more effectively pivot to new languages, frameworks, or development methodologies as required by evolving project needs. This dual approach ensures that the company remains competitive and innovative while maintaining a strong foundation of technical expertise.
The ‘Superpower’ of Consistency
If your current strategy of repeating the same efforts isn’t yielding the desired results, take a moment to evaluate which type of consistency you are relying on. It may be time to shift from routine repetition to a more dynamic, flexible approach. Embracing this change can foster innovation and adaptability and, ultimately, lead to achieving your goals.
However, just remember that type two doesn’t work without type one. The effectiveness of a dynamic approach relies on a solid foundation established through consistent learning, deliberate practice, and skill development. And beware of falling into the False Dilemma Fallacy, where people believe they must choose one type over the other. Don’t be reluctant to admit when your foundations could use improvement. And finally, recognize that times of uncertainty or stagnation often signal the need to revisit type one.
In closing, I’ll say that while consistency can indeed be a superpower, true mastery lies in knowing when to apply each type effectively. Repeating tasks is valuable for skill and habit development, but it is the relentless and agile pursuit of a goal that often leads to enduring success.
Author(s): Dr. David M Robertson
Board Insights | Open Source | ORCID iD
Published Online: 2024 Jun – All Rights Reserved.
APA Citation: Robertson, D. (2024, Jun 23). The Two Types of Consistency. The Journal of Leaderology and Applied Leadership. https://jala.nlainfo.org/the-two-types-of-consistency/