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
