Become a More Patient Leader

As leaders, our patience and tolerance are tested more during times of crisis. Even though we have become better accustomed to working in these COVID times, we are still enduring a crisis. Our usual ways of operating have had to change, and we are hunkering down for the long haul. Our teams look to us for the North Star. How they should feel and act. Your resilience as a leader will be their role model. So even when the chips are down, when things aren’t going according to plan, remember to find something positive to hold onto. When the work is done and you and your team reflect on the mishaps, make sure to remind them of their strengths, which they should always tap into.

Harvard Business Review's article on Becoming a More Patient Leader is a great piece to shape your thinking around this topic:

Become a More Patient Leader

"Leading effectively, especially during a crisis, takes patience. As a manager, you need to retain composure in the face of frustration or uncertainty. So, how can you boost this important resource? One way is to recognize when your patience might be tested. If you know a challenge is coming, you can be more mindful about increasing your efforts to stay calm. For example, a good way to manage the pressure of a looming deadline is to reframe how you perceive time. Speed is important, of course, but working at a slow and smooth pace, especially when times get tough, reduces mistakes and, in the end, speeds up your team’s work. Another tactic is to practice gratitude frequently. Try keeping a journal of things that bring you joy — even when the world feels bleak. Or, simply take 10 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your team’s achievements, no matter how small. Taking these opportunities to be thankful will help you be a more generous leader, less stressed, and more tolerant of unexpected or difficult situations."