Bennis says, "The underlying issue in leading from voice is trust--in fact, I believe that truth is the underlying issue in not only getting people on your side, but having them stay there." He goes on to identify four ingredients leaders have that generate and sustain trust. They are:
1. Constancy, 2. Congruity, 3. Reliability and 4. Integrity.
Let's take them one at a time.
1. Constancy. The Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary defines constancy as "a steadfastness of mind under duress." A number of leaders come to mind when thinking about that quality. Joshua is a classic. Moses had died, Joshua was in charge. No one of military age who had left Egypt was left alive. God says to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." Joshua did and he was. That was good for Joshua. But why should the Hebrew nation continue to follow him? After all, they did have quite a reputation of murmuring and then doing what they thought was right in their own eyes.
The word, constancy, is not used much today, particularly in reference to leaders. To me it means, keeping the hand on the wheel, focus, purposed determination. It's different than stubborn which is more about self than others. Constancy is a quality of dependability. Bennis says this about constancy, "Whatever surprises leaders themselves may face, they don't create any for the group. Leaders are all of a piece; they stay the course."
What makes up constancy? There has to be courage, which is doing what is right regardless of the circumstances or consequences. There has to be bravery; doing what is right regardless of personal dangers. Constancy requires a passionate cause, a sound value system, focus, the capacity to see the big picture and a deep care for those the leader is responsible for. But the quality can't be just being calm. Medication will do that. It isn't even what has been described as a non-anxious presence or serenity, yet that is certainly a quality in constancy. Constancy, it seems, is not just an internal peace but requires action, like love and compassion, to prove its presence.
When all is blowing up and crashing down the leader who displays constancy simply displays the congruity of past words in calmer times with their present action. Constant leaders are stable, calming influences in times of crisis who display the soundness and conviction of their deep held beliefs.
The exercise of constancy models those same qualities to those who follow. In today's headlines we see what constancy isn't. It evidences as corruption, lies, broken promises and duplicity. How long will it take for the people of Illinois to trust state politicians again? How long will it take for America to trust the captains of Wall Street? How long will it take before we trust the executives of auto manufacturers, insurance companies, banks and mortgage companies again? Constancy was certainly not seen in their excessive actions in good times and was reinforced in the collapse of the companies they were hired to be stewards of. Shame on them for their failure to constantly care for those in their trust.
We follow leaders first because we believe in their words. We continue to follow them because we trust in their capacity to lead in tough times because of their actions.
Joshua was constant. The Hebrew nation knew it. Though we may not recognize the walls of Jericho they are there and we need to be constant for the sake of those we serve.
Question for Reflection: What would it take for you to veer from your stated and demonstrated values? How much emotional or physical pain would you be willing to endure in order to be constant? People who follow you may be asking that question of you.
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