In farming, patience is key. You would never see a farmer planting a seed of corn one day and then stomping their feet in frustration the next day, insisting that the corn be there immediately.
There’s a natural process of growth, and farmers know how to nurture it.
In business leadership, the same principle applies. While it’s true that a certain amount of urgency and “need for speed” can be helpful, demanding unrealistic results from team members can backfire, resulting in burnout, stress, decreased morale, sacrifice of quality, short-term focus, missed opportunities, and damaged relationships.
Impatience and unrealistic expectations not only create a toxic work environment but also slow down the overall success of the organization, which ironically goes against the whole purpose of wanting to move quickly in the first place!
It’s essential for leaders to learn to embrace patience and take a cue from the farmer: sow seeds of opportunity, nurture them with the appropriate care (provide team members with the support and resources needed), and trust in the process. Because in the end, it’s patience that yields the most fruitful outcomes.
What is an example where being patient gave you the outcomes you wanted?
p.s. In case you’re wondering, yes, that’s me in a field of corn!
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