Sweet 16 for CEO POV! Today’s topic is one that I struggle with deeply – patience. As a leader, the ability to navigate through the challenges of patience can be both a personal and professional endeavor. It’s a quality that, while often difficult for me to embrace, is essential for effective leadership and decision-making.
The Impulse to Move Fast
My natural leadership style leans toward the visionary end of the spectrum. I thrive on rapid progress, innovative ideas, and moving swiftly to achieve goals. I’ve always found excitement in accelerating projects and driving change, a trait that has fueled many of our initiatives at the Kearney Area Chamber and Impact Art.
However, this drive for speed can sometimes overshadow the value of patience. In a world where instant results are often the norm, taking the time to carefully consider decisions and allow for thoughtful deliberation can seem counterintuitive. But I’ve come to learn that patience is not just about slowing down; it’s about ensuring that we make well-informed decisions and engage others, that lead to sustainable success.
Lessons from My Family
One of the most profound lessons in patience has come from my experience as a father to five wonderful daughters. Each of my girls brings unique challenges and joys that test and develop my patience in ways I could never have imagined. Whether it’s navigating the ups and downs of teenage years or managing the chaos of daily life, my role as their dad has taught me the value of patience in the most meaningful ways. Patience as a parent is like trying to juggle flaming torches while blindfolded, at least you get a lot of practice!
For instance, when I see my daughters working through their challenges, I’m reminded that growth and progress take time. Their patience in learning new skills, their resilience in overcoming obstacles, and their perseverance in pursuing their dreams have all reinforced the importance of taking a step back and allowing for the natural unfolding of processes. I've learned to step back and watch the beauty of the progress and not worry about how quickly it goes because all parents know that they grow up too fast!
Connecting CEO POV
Reflecting on my previous blogs, patience ties into several of the leadership principles we’ve discussed:
- Creativity: Patience allows for the creative process to evolve. Great ideas often require time to develop and mature.
- Commitment: Staying committed to long-term goals sometimes means exercising patience as we work through challenges and delays.
- Collaboration: Effective collaboration can be enhanced by patience, as it involves understanding and accommodating diverse perspectives and timelines.
- Change: Implementing change successfully requires patience, as the process of adaptation and adjustment takes time.
- Communication: Clear and thoughtful communication often benefits from a patient approach, ensuring that messages are conveyed effectively and understood.
Action Items for Cultivating Patience
To foster patience as a leader, consider these actionable steps:
1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that not all processes will move as quickly as you might like. Set realistic timelines and be prepared for the natural pace of progress.
2. Practice Mindfulness: At a conference in Scottsbluff, I learned mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing to help manage impatience and stay centered.
3. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your team to ensure that decisions are well-informed and that any necessary adjustments can be made in a timely manner.
4. Reflect on Progress: Take time to reflect on the progress made and the lessons learned, rather than focusing solely on immediate results.
The Balance of Patience and Urgency
While my natural inclination might be to move swiftly, embracing patience is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. It’s about finding the balance between urgency and deliberation, ensuring that decisions are thoughtful and well-considered.
Thanks for reading. As always, let’s continue to grow and lead with both vision and patience, creating lasting impact and success.
Best,
Derek
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