Patience is Powerful: 4 Reasons to Pace Yourself

How can we pursue patience as leaders?

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We can begin by focusing on humanity and humility. I learned this approach from my grandparents, who were farmers and focused on humanity, embodied humility, and exercised patience as they planted seeds, watered and maintained their crops, and waited for the harvest.

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I acknowledge that on-the-spot decisions are required in certain situations, such as emergencies. During an emergency, the situation is initially assessed by trained experts, authorities, and leaders who discuss the issue, collaborate on a response, and decide on a course of action while staying abreast of factual, up-to-the-minute information.

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I recall a similar process a few years ago where several hundred people, including my husband and I, sat in a building where there was a reported bomb threat. Remaining calm and exercising patience and self-control helped all of us during that experience. As everyone safely exited the building, we were - and still are - grateful for the immediate response of the emergency management team who exhibited leadership, courage, and patience.

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In non-emergency situations, many of us want answers immediately and solutions readily available.

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We have direct access to our connections through social media, text, video calls, online communities, and in several other ways. With generative AI and ChatGPT, we can gather data and research and receive a response to an inquiry in seconds. Many businesses offer one-click or tap purchasing options and the opportunity to setup automatic payments to simplify the process.

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The world has become less patient as our lives are becoming increasingly busier.

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Patience is a powerful leadership strategy, and I believe there are (at least) four reasons to pursue patience and pace yourself through life and business decisions.

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Time to reflect.

When we are patient, it gives us time to reflect and keeps us from acting on impulse. For instance, consider how much time you have available in your schedule. Instead of packing your calendar with back-to-back meetings and activities, I recommend blocking time to think about options and consequences associated with your impending decisions. You’ll find this time to be a valuable gift.

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Time to reflect also allows us to see ourselves as part of the situation and solution. Reflecting before acting is the mirror of patience that helps us focus. When we see ourselves as part of the solution, we can ask - What action(s) can I take to ensure a good outcome for the team? The reason this is critical is because the outcome will impact you, as well as your team, company, and those around you.

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The significance of time and patience cannot be overstated, as it also creates space for emotional responses to simmer and gives us time to ask trusted advisors for counsel before we take action.

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Gain insight.

Exercising patience allows us an opportunity to gain insight, gather data and information, and encourages curiosity. Gaining insight and reviewing all plausible options will help you have the fortitude to stand firm in your decisions and actions.

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To gain greater insight, I suggest asking: What options are available? How will each option impact the team or company? Will these options align with the organization’s mission and vision?

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These and other questions help us build thoughtful responses.

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Empower yourself.

A couple of years ago, I tentatively scheduled an in-person program to be held the following year. The program included traveling together for several hours each way.

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The covid-19 virus was on the rise in the state where we planned to hold the program. Traveling together could have placed the health of each team member at serious risk. I had plenty of questions and an important decision to make. Some of my questions included: Am I being a responsible leader by gathering the team to travel together even while taking the necessary precautions? What risk management measures does the organization have in place and what needs to be considered to protect everyone? Is this a program that can be held virtually?

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I educated myself on virus transmission, listened closely to the advice of medical professionals, and spent time considering the consequences. I also consulted several trusted leaders in the organization and felt prepared and empowered. I concluded that holding the program in a virtual format was the best option. My decision was met with some skepticism. However, it was the best option at the time, especially as new cases in that state spiked more than 300% the same week.?

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Self-control

Pursuing patience in leadership helps us exercise self-control, and demonstrates emotional intelligence, and respect.

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We can demonstrate self-control by placing email messages in a draft folder for a few hours or overnight instead of sending them immediately and remaining calm and composed in intense situations. ?

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For decisions that are high risk, I recommend reviewing and analyzing the situation from different vantage points and speaking with subject matter experts before taking action. Do not rush into a decision. Your reputation and integrity are at stake for all decisions, especially those that are high risk.

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Taking time to reflect, gather insight, empower yourself, and demonstrate self-control are a few reasons why patience matters. To experience powerful results in decision-making, focus on humanity and humility, consider the consequences, and pace yourself.

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Shelli Vasser Gilliam is an advocate, public speaker, and connector, who focuses on empowering people to overcome their fear of public speaking, so they feel confident communicating and helping lift the communities around them. Connect with Shelli on LinkedIn.