“Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!” muttered the White Rabbit.
If we aren’t careful, being a leader can push us to the overly anxious, always in a hurry, White Rabbit brink…
- Too much to do.
- Not enough time.
- Balls in the air.
- Uncertainty.
- Ambiguity.
- Complexity.
- Decisions.
- Deadlines.
- And the worst?
Staff. Yes, the people problems!
Here are some signs that you may not be leading patiently enough: (I didn’t make these up, clients have said these things to me and I’ve thought my fair share of them too)
You say to yourself…
- I don’t have time for this.
- It’s easier to do it myself.
- I’ll do it better anyway.
Or you’re thinking…
- They just don’t get it.
- Why don’t they just do what I tell them?
- Another mess I have to clean up.
- I don’t know if I can stand this.
- Didn’t we go over that yesterday?
- I don’t want to hear another excuse.
- Did I make a hiring mistake?
- They’re getting paid too much.
- How could they not know that?
- Do I have to spell out every little detail?
- Do I really have to explain that again?
And then you might wonder…
- Why don’t people like me?
- Why won’t they tell me anything?
- Why aren’t they more engaged?
- Don’t they trust me?
- Do they think I’m a tyrant?
- Am I a terrible boss?
Maybe.
More likely it would help to work on getting a little bit more good old-fashioned patience.
- Yes, that means slowing down and taking even more precious time with your staff.
- Yes, that means containing your frustration and developing more empathy for them.
- Yes, that means taking them by the hand and helping them with whatever their issue is – at their pace.
When you do?
You give them the best chance of learning and developing and being their best. Of developing mastery. A leader can’t ask for more than that. That’s why it’s worth the effort.
So next time you’re feeling frustrated and anxious and have to deal with a pesky people problem? Take a deep breath, do your doorway moment thing, and patiently lead. After a while they won’t feel pesky at all! And you’ll be a more masterful leader.
