The Cost of Impatience
Leaders often describe their impatience as a point of pride, a “badge of honor.” They might be impatient for results. Impatient with people. Even impatient with themselves! But is saying “I’m impatient” something to be proud of? By definition, I’d say no. In practice, I’d say definitely not.
By definition, impatience is an unwillingness to wait for someone or something. It often demands the impossible and has little concern about the means of reaching a goal. Impatience in practice? Read on…
The behaviors of an impatient leader impact those around them. Impatience becomes frustration, anxiety, and worry in the leader. They may be intolerant of mistakes and delays. Unchecked, impatience can lead to reactivity, impulsiveness, criticism of perceived mistakes, and maybe calling out people in a public meeting for just being honest. Impatient energy from the leader often transfers to their team members – they, too, become anxious and worried. It is a “force” that shrouds a team or organization in fear. And we know that a fear-based environment foils problem-solving. It leaves people walking on eggshells and stagnates innovation.
As a person progresses from the role of individual contributor to a leadership position, the tools and attitudes relied upon for prior advancement must continue to evolve. As an individual contributor, perhaps it’s more acceptable to be impatient. “It’s just how you got things done.” You likely were rewarded for your actions and results. However, as you advance, you must shift from the impatient task “soloist” to an influencer of others’ performance. Your ability to influence others through collaboration and interdependent team actions is now the key to larger accomplishments.
People do not like to work for an impatient leader. If you are impatient, this is an opportunity to reflect upon why. I urge you to rethink this “perceived quality.” Is it a symptom of your needs, your fears to perform, subconsciously or consciously? Do you work for an intolerant person, and you are projecting the same energy onto your team? What is driving you?
Having said all of this, highly successful leaders don’t achieve their goals by being patient. But patience is not the opposite of impatience. Successful leaders don’t wait for results. Effective leaders are in constant motion - they foster, nurture, mentor, guide, and knock down barriers. They make it safe for transparent communications at all times…no matter how difficult a message may be to hear.
So, if patience is not the opposite of impatience, what is?
Sherri McArdle is a wife and mother to adult children and has been a business leader/owner for over 25 years. She is also a Master Certified Coach and Certified Neuro-Transformational™ Coach to leaders and executives across the country, and a trained mediator. Sherri McArdle LLC is a New York State certified woman-owned business enterprise.
