Principle #2 - Patience With Your People

Early in my leadership journey I was lucky enough to be part of a development program with some really remarkable people. One of the things I developed at that time was my “Top Ten” list of leadership principles. They have served me well, I hope they do the same for you.

As always comments are very welcome.

The Quiet Strength of Patience: Why Leaders Must Cultivate Deliberation and Understanding

In the high-stakes, fast-paced world of leadership, there's often a perceived need for immediacy and decisive action. While quick thinking certainly has its place, the ability to exercise patience is arguably one of the most potent, yet often overlooked, virtues a leader can possess. Patience, in this context, isn't about complacency or inaction; rather, it's about cultivating a thoughtful, deliberate environment where trust flourishes, continual improvement is embraced, and clarity guides the way. A patient leader doesn't just manage their people; they nurture their potential.

At its core, patience in leadership is about recognizing that growth, both individual and collective, is a process, not an event. It involves understanding that people develop at different paces, possess unique learning styles, and require varied forms of support. A leader who operates from a place of impatience, constantly pushing for instant results, can inadvertently stifle innovation, erode trust, and ultimately, hinder their team’s progress.

Building Bridges of Trust Through Patience

Trust is the bedrock of any successful team. It's the invisible glue that binds individuals together, fostering a sense of psychological safety where vulnerability is allowed, and collaboration thrives. A patient leader consciously builds trust by demonstrating a commitment to understanding their team members' perspectives, rather than just imposing their own will. This involves:

• Active Listening: Patient leaders take the time to truly listen to their team. They seek to understand not only the words being spoken, but also the underlying emotions and concerns. They ask clarifying questions, avoid interrupting, and create a safe space for open dialogue. This act of careful listening sends a powerful message: "Your voice matters."
• Empathy: Understanding that everyone has their own unique challenges and experiences requires empathy. A patient leader doesn't judge or dismiss setbacks. Instead, they seek to understand the root cause of any issue and offer support accordingly. They recognize that growth often involves making mistakes and view them as learning opportunities, not failures.
• Consistency: Patience isn’t a one-time act. It’s a consistent approach. Leaders who are patient are reliable and stable. This consistency creates a safe and predictable environment where team members feel secure and are more likely to take calculated risks. They trust that they will be supported regardless of the outcome.
• Avoiding Knee-Jerk Reactions: When problems arise, an impatient leader might immediately react with criticism or blame. A patient leader, on the other hand, takes the time to gather information, assess the situation objectively, and respond thoughtfully. This approach demonstrates composure and shows the team that the leader is level-headed and can be trusted even under pressure.

By embodying these principles, patient leaders gradually build a culture of trust where team members are more likely to be engaged, collaborative, and willing to go the extra mile.

The Patient Pursuit of Continual Improvement

The pursuit of excellence is a cornerstone of any successful organization. However, excellence isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey of learning and improvement. A patient leader recognizes this and creates an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. This is achieved through:

• Providing Constructive Feedback: Instead of berating individuals for their shortcomings, a patient leader provides constructive feedback that focuses on specific behaviors and offers practical suggestions for improvement. They understand that feedback must be delivered with empathy and a genuine desire to help the individual grow.
• Encouraging Experimentation: A patient leader understands that innovation often comes from trial and error. They encourage their team to experiment with new ideas, even if success isn't guaranteed. This fosters a culture of learning and continual improvement. They create a safe space where it is permissible to fail, as long as lessons are learned from those failures.
• Investing in Development: Patience extends to a leader’s view on development. They understand that growth takes time, and they invest in the long-term growth of their team. This can be through providing mentorship, training opportunities, and time to learn and apply new skills.
• Celebrating Small Wins: Progress is often incremental, and a patient leader acknowledges and celebrates even small wins. These small wins, when recognized, foster a sense of progress and motivation. Celebrating small victories also shows the team that the leader isn't just focused on the big picture but also acknowledges the progress made on the journey.

Patient leadership fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where individuals are motivated to learn, grow, and strive for excellence.

Clarity: The Compass for Patient Progress

Patience, without clarity, can become stagnation. A patient leader doesn't merely wait; they actively guide their team by providing clear direction and expectations. Clarity acts as a compass, ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction. This involves:

• Clear Communication: Patient leaders communicate clearly, concisely, and frequently. They ensure that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the overall goals. They are open to feedback on their communication style and are always striving to improve.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: Patient leaders don’t set unrealistic expectations that create unnecessary pressure and anxiety. They understand that progress takes time and that it is important to set achievable goals that are broken down into manageable steps. They clearly communicate these expectations, so everyone knows what they are working towards and what success looks like.
• Transparency: When change is afoot, a patient leader is transparent and communicates with the team openly. They explain the reasons behind decisions, and they address concerns and suggestions from the team. Transparency ensures that everyone is on the same page and reduces confusion and uncertainty.
• Regular Check-ins: A patient leader regularly checks in with their team to ensure that everyone is on track, and to address any obstacles that they may be experiencing. These check-ins help the team feel supported and also allow the leader to provide timely guidance and correction.

Clarity is the key to ensure patience doesn't devolve into aimlessness. A patient leader understands that when everyone knows the direction and has clear goals, they can commit to the long-term journey, trusting the process and the outcome.

Conclusion: The Long Game of Leadership

In a world obsessed with speed and immediate results, the quiet strength of patience stands out as a critical leadership capability. It is the foundation upon which trust is built, continual improvement is embraced, and clarity guides the way. Patient leaders understand that people are not machines; they are complex individuals who require time, support, and understanding to reach their full potential. By cultivating patience, leaders can create environments where individuals thrive, teams excel, and organizations achieve long-term success. Patience, in essence, is not about slowing down; it's about building a sustainable future through genuine care and deliberate growth. It is about playing the long game of leadership and understanding that the greatest successes are often born from the quiet perseverance of a thoughtful and patient approach.

A little over five months ago I resigned from Corteva Agriscience I did not have a perfect plan but I had a list of ideas and some really interesting thoughts on business, leadership and personal growth. Taking on challenges is part of the beautiful adventure that life creates and it is what led me here. This writing is part of the journey.

Be well always,

Bryce

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