Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

Warren Buffett and Secrets of Management - 2

One of the questions that Warren Buffett asks about a company before buying it is whether it's had a consistent operating history or not. In other words - is it measurable?

Thing of this is relationship to being a manager; or anything else for that matter. One of the key success elements is consistency. There is nothing worse than unpredictability in a manager or company. We're not talking about new products, services or ideas here; we're talking about erratic behavior that isn't able to be counted on.

Here's something you can look at concerning yourself or any management team. Do they or the individual have a history of consistency? This doesn't necessarily mean that someone without a business management history won't be a good manager, but even here the question must be asked concerning their overall life if there isn't a business history to measure.

The point is to know how a person reacts under management strain. Do they flounder all over the place? Are they unpredictable in their actions? When they're managing do you sleep good at night knowing they're running the operations?

All of these questions need to be answered in the affirmative. Consistency is one of the more crucial elements that any manager must possess for a company to be successful over the long run. Look for it and train for it and see your business change.

If you are inconsistent yourself while being in a management position, I would immediately take stock of it and respond accordingly. Consistency has to do with not moving off of purpose of direction in spite of the numerous forces tempting you to do so. That's what staying on course means for a company. Stay true to the mission of the company and consistency should be the byproduct of that decision.

Other Warren Buffett Resources:

Buffett: Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man

Who Is Warren Buffett?

Sound management
 
A Finger on the Pulse of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett

The Warren Buffet CEO: Secrets of the Berkshire Hathaway Managers