The Undeniable Value of Predictability

So much in our lives is unpredictable and unreliable. When you find a pocket of consistency in an inconsistent world, it brings comfort. 

Being a human who is consistent and predictable in your leadership and communication brings comfort for those around you. When you are the one who brings comfort, you also bring great value to any team or group.

Now let me be clear. I am not advocating that you act outside of who you truly are or to change what you think and believe in order to make others feel “better”. Nor am I suggesting that you make yourself small to make others feel important. 

I’m saying that you can choose how you want to be seen and heard, how you show up, and what you value. When you do that consistently, with curiosity, empathy, and a focus on the good of the whole, your energy will lead to a predictable and dependable leadership style – even under pressure, stress, or in times of uncertainty.

Being predictable means that people know what attitude and energy to anticipate from you when they engage with you. This applies to families, social groups, and the workplace. It does not mean there is no spontaneity or agility.

Healthy predictability shows that people can count on you to be steady, honest, fair, curious, and empathetic. When you are predictable, in a healthy way, people can count on you to set and hold clear boundaries, and hold yourself and others accountable.

But most importantly, people know that you are capable of feeling and managing your own emotions. You will not be dumping all your emotional reactions onto them in hopes of giving yourself some relief.

A big part of healthy predictability is self-awareness. 

When you are intentional about learning tools and strategies to become predictable, it’s a gift to those around you and yourself. There’s no more drama and chaos, and less shame and guilt, that unhealthy predictability can create. You are showing those around you another pathway to deal with life and work pressures.

I invite you to learn more about your predictability and ways to be intentional in strengthening this important attribute by completing our Healthy Leadership Predictability Worksheet.

Feel free to share it with your team and colleagues as a tool for discussion and their own growth and development!