Polarization and Consistency

[polecats]

Zig Ziglar says the most important trait needed for leadership is consistency. To me, this is very similar to polarization, because in order to really be consistent, you have to say "no" where others might say "yes" while they follow the herd or chase an opportunity.

For example, a friend from my old hometown runs a small website on a niche topic for paid subscribers. She gets many requests to sell ads, but refuses because it would be inconsistent with both her business strategy and how she wants to serve clients. Funny to watch people negotiate thinking they can get her to change. But she's steadfast. Doing the opposite, being paid by ads only, as Steve does, is also very effective. But getting stuck in the middle to chase an extra penny in either case could water down the business, and create conflicts between producing the type of content that's good for ad impressions vs. the type that's good for subscribers. That's what many old media firms have done on the web and many have struggled as a result.

I am very resistant to new age terminology and don't like the words lightworker and darkworker. They overdo the good vs evil thing. But I do think the concept of polarization is hugely important, and not all that different from being consistent. And being consistent begins with saying no. Not to obvious things like "no tolerance for employees who steal from the company", that's too easy. But no to subscription revenue when taking ad revenue, no to taking on a consulting client who is outside the industry you tell everyone you focus on, no to the star salesperson who wants a 40% commission when it's clear the company can't profit with a commission above 25%, and so on. Seems to me most successful businesses, even in down times like now, are those that know when to say no.

[funchy]

I agree that one traits all good leaders should have is consistency.

I am very resistant to new age terminology and don't like the words lightworker and darkworker. They overdo the good vs evil thing.

Don't see it as good vs evil. See it as serving the community vs serving the individual (focus on self).

"Good" and "evil" really have no meaning unless you pull your own religious/moral beliefs into things.