Many resources can be useful when working to make a company prosperous and successful: money, people, technology, good advice, and so on. However, one of the most important and often overlooked attributes is patience. Lots of it.
It is tough to be patient, especially when we live in a world where access to information is pretty much instantaneous. We want things not only to happen quickly, but according to plan as well.
Practicing patience from the beginning, however, can lead to an end result that is more on-target and lasting. Now this isn’t to say that you should do away with setting goals and establishing timelines, both of which are crucial to motivating yourself, your colleagues, and measuring progress. But as you venture along, be mindful of the effect of that timeline: is it a consistent, purposeful pressure? Or an abrasive, brute force?
As a leader, your attitudes and actions have a significant impact on the people around you. Your energy, be it positive or negative, is contagious and will have a direct impact on productivity. What it truly comes down to is staying committed to your mission and ultimate goal. So, as you steer the course, keep in mind that sometimes accomplishing things may take longer than expected.