The Importance of Consistency in Leadership

Mr. X is a newly designated manager in a government office. Upon assuming his new leadership role, he immediately laid out his goals. He stated the targets he wanted to achieve and emphasized the discipline he expected to be strictly observed by his subordinates. During his first few months, he was successful in fulfilling his leadership duties.

However, after a year, he noticed a significant decline in the performance of his subordinates. The discipline within the office had also noticeably diminished.

He reflected deeply on the declining achievements and behavior of his team. Yet, he could not identify anything in himself that might have contributed to this decline—until he consulted a university professor who was an expert in organizational behavior.

After a week of observation and analysis, the professor focused on how Mr. X had been exercising his leadership and managerial functions. He then asked the manager a simple yet profound question: “Are you still consistent in how you exercise your leadership functions?”

This question made Mr. X think seriously about how he had been performing as a leader. Upon honest self-evaluation, he realized that he had lost the discipline he once had. He was no longer as people-oriented as before.

The professor told him that the problem lay in his lack of consistency in leadership. He further advised him to rekindle the same passion and determination he had when he first took on the role.

Mr. X took the professor’s advice to heart. After a short period of renewed effort, the office was back on its feet. Targets were once again being met, and the discipline and motivation of his subordinates were restored.

Every now and then, the issue of consistency in leadership becomes a challenge that many leaders and managers face. The passage of time and temporary success can breed complacency—an attitude that is dangerous for any leader. A good leader is someone who remains consistent in his or her leadership, no matter the circumstances.

This kind of consistency is currently being exemplified by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has never wavered in his leadership from the very first day that Ukraine was suddenly invaded by the vastly superior Russian Armed Forces on February 24.

And yet, despite Russia’s military advantage, it has failed to take over a single Ukrainian city. This resilience can be attributed to President Zelenskyy’s consistent leadership. He continues to embody strength and courage—remaining visible on the ground and on social media—as if it were still the very first day of the war. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A Heroic, Inspiring, and Shining Leadership Masterclass

The man of the hour right now is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His name, videos, and quotes are trending across the world of social media. Why? Because he dared to confront, head-on, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s immoral, unprovoked, and inhuman war against his sovereign nation.

It all began on Thursday, February 24, when Putin’s tanks, missiles, and other instruments of war and destruction rumbled through targeted cities in Ukraine—most notably the capital, Kyiv, where the seat of power is located. Given President Putin’s overwhelming military strength and nuclear armaments, the world assumed it would be a cakewalk for Russia. But it was not. In fact, it is shaping up to be a quagmire for Putin and his military cohorts.

Hours before Ukraine was invaded by Russian armed forces, President Zelenskyy, in a  video address, warned Putin by saying:"When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs."

On February 25, the morning after Russian missiles rained down and tanks rolled into Ukraine, Zelenskyy posted a  video defiantly vowed to stay and fight. He said:“I am here. We are not putting down arms. We will be defending our country, because our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children, and we will defend all of this.”

These courageous words from Zelenskyy galvanized and inspired his people to hold the line—no matter the odds. What leadership lessons can we derive from this video of Zelenskyy and his subsequent pronouncements?

Lesson Number One: Great leaders such as Zelenskyy always lead the way and show the way. This means they are in the thick of things—they're in the trenches, giving orders and fighting alongside their people, not hiding in the safety of luxurious and secure offices. When the U.S. offered him a safe exit from his besieged nation, he stood his ground and courageously said: "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride."

Lesson Number Two: Great leaders are effective communicators. They use social media to their advantage and carefully craft their messages. They promptly communicate what needs to be said. In times of crisis, delays can cost a leader dearly—in reputation, character, and authority. Zelenskyy is a master communicator, owing to his background as an actor and comedian. He flawlessly conveyed messages of defiance and unity to his soldiers, his people, and the global community.

Lesson Number Three: Great leaders project strength and calmness at all times. Why? So they can inspire, guide, and motivate their people to resist oppressors—no matter how powerful they may be. In the now-iconic video, Zelenskyy’s face was the epitome of bravery, composure, and defiance, with a historic, well-fortified building as his backdrop.

Lesson Number Four: Great leaders are not afraid to ask for help—they show vulnerability. On the second day of the attack, when Ukraine’s situation seemed dire, Zelenskyy didn’t hesitate to say: “Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid.” “We’re defending our country alone. The most powerful forces in the world are watching this from a distance.” Hours later, pledges of support—military aid, weaponry, and humanitarian assistance—began to pour in.

Lesson Number Five: Great leaders have a positive mindset, are effective motivators, and have a vision. Even as the violent forces of war were unleashed against Ukraine, Zelenskyy addressed his people and security forces with these inspiring words: “Our military, our national guard, our national police, our territorial defense, special services, nationals of Ukraine—please carry on. We will win.” 

Why did he say this despite the overwhelming odds? Because he knew that high morale and unyielding spirit are key to defending a nation. And President Zelenskyy is succeeding—because he, his nation, and his people continue to hold back the violent tide of Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s courageous and inspiring leadership masterclass is a real-life saga unfolding before our very eyes and ears. It showcases his extraordinary leadership, from which we can draw countless insights as we lead our own respective organizations.

Are you learning gems of insight from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s courageous and inspiring leadership masterclass? 

Let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. Let us pray for Vladimir Putin’s enlightenment, that he may end the unprovoked war he started. And let us pray for the suffering people and nation of Ukraine.— Marino J. Dasmarinas