"Un leader doit paraître cohérent. Cela ne signifie pas qu'il doit être cohérent."

When we talk about leadership, one of the trickiest tightropes to walk is the balance between flexibility and consistency. The quote is pointing out an interesting paradox—leaders need to seem steady and reliable to their followers, even if they're changing their minds or approaches behind the scenes. This idea hinges on the perception of consistency rather than its actual practice.

Historically, this idea has been relevant in many contexts. For instance, think about Winston Churchill during World War II. Churchill was seen as a rock, a steadfast symbol of resistance against the Axis powers. But if you dive into his decision-making process, Churchill often adapted his strategies based on the unfolding scenarios. He wasn’t rigid or stubborn; he was flexible and responsive to the needs of the moment. And yet, to the public and his soldiers, he projected an image of unwavering resolve.

Let’s break it down with a real-life example. Picture a startup CEO navigating the turbulent waters of a new market. Initially, they might pitch their company as a direct-to-consumer business. But as market dynamics evolve, they realize a B2B model would actually be more sustainable. Internally, they pivot—restructuring teams, altering product features, and changing sales strategies. To the outside world, though, they present a consistent narrative of growth and future promise. Investors and customers don’t see the chaos; they see a leader with a clear vision.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? First, understand that being adaptable is a strength, not a weakness. When circumstances change, don’t be afraid to shift your approach. The trick is to manage perceptions. Maintain a core message that remains stable, even as the details evolve. It’s like the difference between the foundation of a house and the paint on the walls—the foundation is solid, but you can change the color as often as you like.

Imagine you’re running a project at work. Your initial plan might hit some snags, and you find yourself needing to adjust timelines and deliverables. Instead of sharing every hiccup with your team, you communicate the changes in a way that aligns with the original goals. You maintain a sense of direction and purpose, reassuring your team that the end goal is still within reach. Your adaptability doesn’t undermine their confidence; it reinforces it because they see you as steady and in control.

Here's a story to bring it home. Think about a parent planning a family vacation. They might have everything set for a beach trip, but then the weather forecast predicts a storm. Instead of panicking or revealing the full extent of their logistical nightmare, they calmly announce a change of plans—a surprise visit to an indoor water park. The kids don’t know about the frantic calls to hotels or the last-minute packing changes. They just see a parent who’s got it all figured out and are excited about the new adventure.

In essence, the appearance of consistency is about trust. People need to feel secure and confident in your leadership. They don’t need to see every twist and turn, just the belief that you’re guiding them with a steady hand. So, be flexible, adapt as needed, but always project that calm, consistent front. It’s not about being deceptive; it’s about providing a stable foundation for those relying on you.