Patience is Beautiful
In business we’ve learned that urgency is key, especially in responding to customer needs or wants. But another key for the leader is the longevity of the business, and where it needs to go. Sometimes the results of the tactics you are using and what you may gain at the time do not add up to the big vision you seek.
My mom always said Patience is Beautiful.
In tough times people look for quick fix, a quick bridge, a quick result. As the leader of an organization, or as an entrepreneur, you might want to think about whether you really need results “today.”
Wanting to respond to an email right now? I’m not going to say you shouldn’t — I am saying that once you are clear with your vision — where you want to be or what you want to do for the next five or ten days (or even five or ten years), you might want to reflect on the statement Patience is Beautiful.
What I’ve learned by being in business for thirty years and growing up in a household of educators, is that while it is easy to get results today, some things just take time. While you might want to pull the plant for the goal today, nurturing it and giving it the time it needs to grow is also a vital skill.
I’ve seen many leaders pressure their constituents, customers, suppliers, and supporters to meet unrealistic and sometimes unnecessary goals. While people, for the most part, are kind and willing to make things happen, in the long term you might be damaging the relationships.
BEFORE YOU GO:
We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.
- Is what you’re asking for absolutely necessary now or can it be put off for a later time?
- What goals do you have in place to accomplish short or long term?
- What realistic timetable can you set that has both the urgency of doing it now, but the beauty of being patient for the long term?
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Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.
