UXL Blog

We are a society of instant gratification and quick rewards. We order a package from Amazon, it arrives within a day or two. We want to watch a show, we switch to our streaming platform of choice and tune in. We want a meal, we order online and receive it at our doorstep. With so many ways to instantly satisfy our needs and wants, many of us have forgotten how to practice patience.

Patience is a crucial attribute in both our personal and business lives. It can help us weather storms, create robust strategies, and maintain a sense of calm. When we’re patient, we also tend to be gentler and more civil to those around us, from the overworked barista to the co-worker who is juggling multiple responsibilities.

In my experience, patience is absolutely an asset when it comes to business. A patient leader…

…takes the time to get to know their team members.

…invests in skill-building training.

…collects data and gives projects a chance before changing course.

…strategizes and considers options before jumping in.

…recognizes that development and progress may take time (and celebrates small victories along the way).

Believe it or not, patience is a skill you can develop. Some people may be innately less patient than others—looking at you “red energy” and “yellow energy” folks (see my post on Insights® Discovery if you don’t get that reference)! However, all people can improve their patience. I suggest building patience with the following four steps:

Develop Awareness

The first step to becoming more patient is to recognize when you’re being inpatient or impulsive. Start noticing when you’re being short with others, or you’re tempted to make a decision or take an action before you have all the information. Once you start becoming aware of your own impatience, you can begin to correct this tendency.

Start Practicing

Start practicing patience in small, daily interactions. Pause before reacting to minor inconveniences, give people more time to express themselves fully, and allow projects to unfold at their natural pace. Over time, these small adjustments will become habits, and you’ll find yourself naturally more patient in various situations.

Challenge Yourself to Go One Step Further

After practicing daily patience, it’s a good idea to challenge yourself to apply it to more significant situations. When faced with a tough decision or a challenging project, consciously choose to approach it with patience. Allow the process to unfold without rushing to conclusions or taking shortcuts. When you’re tempted to give into an impulse say to yourself, “I can go just one step further.” That might mean waiting another day, asking one more person for advice, or doing just one more hour of research.

Recognize This Takes Time

As you’re developing your patience, you’ll have to (ironically) be patient with your progress! Developing a new skill takes time and consistent effort. Celebrate the small victories along the way, acknowledging that progress won’t happen overnight. But with concerted effort, you will eventually build this skill.

Patience is a virtue that can enhance your leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being. Remember, by developing your patience, you’re not just benefiting yourself but also fostering a more positive and productive environment for those around you. Embrace the journey of building patience and enjoy the transformative impact it can have on your personal and professional life.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: develop patience, Margaret Smith business coach, margaret smith leadership, patience and leadership, patience as business asset, practicing patience for better business