The Quiet Strength Behind Lasting Leadership

Patience

February 04, 20253 min read

Patience is one of the essential principles of leadership and personal development. As one of the Five to Thrive principles—alongside Inspiration, Kindness, Forgiveness, and Celebration—it serves as a foundational force that allows leaders to foster growth, resilience, and long-term success. Joyce Meyer once said, "Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." This captures the essence of patience: it’s not merely about enduring delays but about maintaining composure, optimism, and faith in the process.

The Power of Patience in Leadership

A great example of patience in action comes from my time managing an office on Wall Street. I once mentored a young man who, at the time, was underqualified for most tasks but had an incredible energy and willingness to learn. Investing in him required patience—not just in teaching him new skills, but in waiting for results, believing in his potential, and setting a clear path forward.

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Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, I took time to guide him through essential aspects of professional development. I helped him set up his 401(k), introduced him to training opportunities, and coached him on career development—things he had never been exposed to before. Over time, his growth became evident. He not only excelled in his role, becoming one of the best performers on the team, but he also built a successful career, got engaged, and started a family. This transformation reinforced the value of patience; it would have been easy to focus only on the immediate demands of the business, but by exercising patience, I was able to help shape a thriving professional and leader.

Patience as a Leadership Superpower

Patience is often underrated in leadership, but it is a quiet superpower that enables:

  1. Endurance – The ability to stay committed despite obstacles. Leaders must persist even when success is not immediate.

  2. Emotional Intelligence – Patience allows leaders to see challenges from multiple perspectives, understand team concerns, and create psychological safety.

  3. Long-Term Focus – Sustainable success requires a vision beyond short-term gains. Leaders who cultivate patience encourage steady, meaningful growth.

  4. Adaptability – Change is constant, and patience enables leaders to adjust and pivot without frustration or burnout.

Practicing Patience in Leadership

You might ask, How do I practice patience in my own role? Whether you are in a leadership position or not, patience can transform the way you interact with colleagues, navigate challenges, and contribute to a positive culture. Here are a few ways to cultivate patience:

  • Encourage Development – Foster an environment where employees feel supported in their growth rather than pressured for immediate perfection.

  • Listen Actively – Take the time to truly understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of your team.

  • Manage Expectations – Recognize that meaningful change takes time and set realistic goals for yourself and others.

  • Stay Composed Under Pressure – Demonstrate emotional resilience and a calm demeanor during high-stress situations.

Patience Builds a Better Future

Leading with patience is more than just a business strategy—it contributes to a more compassionate, sustainable, and resilient world. By exercising patience, you empower those around you to develop, innovate, and thrive at their own pace. As Tony Robbins once said, "Patience is power." It’s the power to inspire, to lead with wisdom, and to achieve success without compromising values.

So, take a moment today to reflect: Where can I improve my patience? How can I use it to build a culture of trust and growth? By embracing patience, you unlock the potential for deeper connections, stronger teams, and lasting impact in business and beyond.

Owen

[email protected]

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Author The Power of Love in Business

Owen Burns

Author The Power of Love in Business

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