Be Boring

The word “boring” has a pretty negative connotation. A lot of us don’t like doing things that we consider boring. When someone asks about a new movie, the worst review we can give it is to say that it was “boring.” In fact, I bet there are fewer things that would irk you more than if you overheard someone talking about you and they said, “He’s all right. He’s just really boring.”

But in leadership, being boring is good. You should strive to be boring.

You should be so boring, in fact, that everyone knows exactly what to expect from you at all times. They should know what you’re going to say before you even say it. They should be able to imitate your most common refrains at happy hour.

I’m not suggesting you strive to be uninspiring or lacking in passion.

Of course not.

When it comes to what you all are trying to accomplish and the importance of your work, your employees should get the chills when you speak.

But when it comes to your day-to-day leadership, be boring.

Don’t believe me?

Okay.

Have you ever had a boss who was unpredictable? A boss who on Monday acted one way but acted entirely differently on Tuesday? Did that boss make surprising decisions, and did you find yourself not knowing how they were going to act or respond to different things?

How was that experience? Did you enjoy it, or was every day like being on a roller coaster because of it?

As the leader, your number one job is to make everyone’s lives easier. Not harder.

Communicate precisely. Speak evenly. Act in a predictable manner.

Be boring.