“All right, Scott. We’re gonna get that swing of yours figured out.” Bob planted a golf tee. “Just hit that.”

I began to place a ball on the tee. Bob protested. “Nope. Just hit the tee. No ball.”

I swung my club, struck the tee, and it soared straight up, did 27 flips (give or take), and landed within inches of its initial resting place.

“Perfect!” Bob clapped. “Now, reset it. I want you to keep doing that until I tell you to stop.”

Swing after swing, I got the exact same result. Bob cheered me on with each attempt. “You’ve got it!”

After at least 50 swings, he said, “Now, let’s smack a ball right down that fairway!”

He carefully placed a golf ball, stood, and looked me directly in the eyes. “Do the same thing you’ve been doing.”

He stepped back, crossed his arms, held his chin, and said, “Swing away!”

My 26-year-old body swung the club like I was out for revenge. I crushed that golf ball! It left the tee at probably 200 miles per hour . . . but never got more than three feet off the ground.

The problem Bob was trying to eliminate was still there. Deflated, I looked to him for corrective feedback.

My dejected friend shook his head and shrugged. “Scott, I’ve never seen someone consistently swing so right but hit the ball so wrong. I don’t know what to tell you.”

~~~~~~~~~~

When we are sporadic as leaders, it’s impossible for our followers to adjust and respond appropriately. Consistency is good; just ensure it’s not consistently bad.