Leader's Compass 32 - Patience - THE Essential Leadership Ingredient

When I was a young boy my mother would use any opportunity she could to teach me the importance of patience. Waiting in the doctors office, sitting in church, driving the 2 hour drive to grandma's house; the message was the same -" it'll teach you patience"

All of those times paid off. I learned that patience was a virtue to be coveted and practiced regularly. In fact, I've observed that patience in leadership is probably the most crucial ingredient to the recipie. A wise person once said that when it comes to people "slow is fast." This means that if you want someone to grow quickly be patient and slow down. People, unlike objects thrive in nurturing, patient relationships. The wise leader uses patience as the powerful tool to help breed a culture of support and growth.

Over the years I've had the pleasure of watching young managers become true leaders by learning and practicing patience. "Do it now, because I said so!" becomes replaced with patient nurturing and passionate teaching that respects the natural growth process. Patient leaders tend not to get as frustrated because they understand that patience is a more powerful tool than pushy persuasion. 

The patient leader tends to follow the mature decision making process when making decisions. They ask:

1 - How does this decision affect my team member?

2 - How does this decision affect my team?

3 - How does this decision affect our customer? And finally 

4 - How does this decision affect our company?

By patiently pausing and then choosing action after filtering the decision through the above process the patient leader is more likely to make a savvy, more seductive decision luring his or her followers toward wanting to do what the leader asks. 

Like physical strength movements patience is developed and strengthened through consistent practice. How is your patience practice coming along? Don't forget to pause and be patient. Lead on.