This article was based on the RSA video, “Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency”:
| Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency |
Consistency Gets Results
Great culture is not about intensity it is about consistency. When you want to get better at something you need to practice consistently over a period of time. If you want to get in shape, you cannot just show up at the gym tomorrow for nine hours and expect to walk away with a new and improved physique. Instead, you would work out for a brief period every day, and in a few months, you would lose weight and be in better shape. The key is consistency, not intensity.
Companies Prefer Intensity
Companies prefer intensity over consistency because it is fixed in time and easily measured. Intensity is also highly predictable. If a company wants to improve its leadership team, the solution is to hold a seminar with key speakers. The thinking is that at the end of the day, those who attended will walk away with the skills they need to be better leaders. Similarly, companies that are struggling turn to reorganisation or layoffs. These instant changes do not equal instant results.
Consistency is Good for Business
Consistency is the human part. It is about the accumulation of many actions repeatedly done over the course of time. These actions add up to create change. Today’s companies need to focus more on consistency in order to build better relationships. When the focus is on relationships, colleagues begin to trust in each other. They become willing to be vulnerable without fear of being humiliated or fired. Not only does this create a more harmonious work environment, but it is also good for business.
