In our increasingly fast paced world there is constant pressure to move quickly, respond quickly, react quickly, and decide quickly. The sense is one of "Go, Go, Go".
However, if you consider leaders of note, the one's people look up to, you will find an ability to "Keep one's head, when those around you are loosing their's".
Demonstrating the ability to face any situation with careful consideration will help your team perform in the most difficult situations and will give others cause to look to you for guidance.
Achieving a reputation for patience doesn't require Zen like powers of mind control, but does require the application of a few simple principles. Always remember, in the business world it is the very rare situation that demands split second decisions and actions.
When facing any important decision or crisis take the time to understand the situation and establish the facts. Look at the total landscape surrounding the issue and establish the key, relevant details. Remember during trying times, your team will be just as anxious as you. Therefore it is vital to remain open and accessible while soliciting their help in expanding the knowledge base.
As more information becomes available, carefully evaluate it in relation to your organization's mission and goals. Keeping these in mind allows you to maintain a clear focus on what's important. Constantly having a "steadfast application to a fixed aim" , this consistency to the mission, will establish you as a leader of thoughtfulness and patience.
Maintaining this fixed aim, review and evaluate all the information / facts, taking care to consider all aspects of the matter at hand. A deliberative manner in accessing the available information adds to the team's effectiveness and willingness to be lead. People don't line up behind the hand-wringer or the panicking loud mouth for direction and answers, they look to those who can remain calm under fire.
Once the information is analyzed, the temptation will be strong to take the reins, be the leader, and do something, anything, to show action is being taken. DON"T do it!! This is by far the worst thing one can do. Facts in hand, true leadership consists of taking the time to prepare a Plan of Action.
The key to planning well is to establish objectives that are specific, measurable, realistic, and tangible. Continued attention to aligning the objectives with the organization's long-term goals, mission, and commitments cannot be overstated. Demonstrating a dogged determination to these core principles instills your team with confidence in you as a leader. It allows them to know that by focusing on the values themselves, not only will they be acting in the best interest of the organization, but they will be acting in unity with you! As much as possible, involve the team in the planning process. This is not only central to good problem solving, but it also develops support within the group for what needs to be done. Having input boosts the team's confidence in the plan and the leader.
When developing the plan, recognition of potential roadblocks and obstacles is essential. As the pitfalls are enumerated, possible counter-measures and solutions should be identified. This listing of "points and counter-points" should diligently and thoroughly addressed. Actively identifying weaknesses early in the game is another key business leadership trait.
Last but not least, list the action steps needed to execute the plan. These steps should explicitly assign responsibilities and timing. A reluctance to "make people responsible" can doom you to fail. As the leader, holding people accountable is one of your most important actions; fairly, consistently, and patiently doing this will give you your best chance for success.
Once the planning is complete, clearly communicate all aspects of the plan to the team. Repeatedly emphasize each members' roles, duties, and performance expectations. Voice your confidence in them, and your commitment to success.
Then comes the most difficult task of all:
Put the plan in motion and have the patience to let it work.
Clearly a leader must monitor progress and make course corrections at times, but resist the urge to over analyze or micro-manage. Trust the people and trust the process, only step in when you are sure something has changed which is outside of the original considerations that went into the planning steps. When making any change don't assume anything, communicate the when's, why's, and what's of any change to the entire team, respect their need to know and understand, and they will respect you.
So, this sounds like a long, exhaustive, and involved process, no wonder you have to be patient. Well, consider this, the time needed maybe 10 minutes, 10 hours, or 10 days. The situation will dictate the response. Just remember that short of life or death predicaments, snap judgments are rarely warranted. Be patient when accessing your options, and you will earn a reputation as a clear thinking, calm, and thoughtful leader... Who could ask for more?
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